ESPN's NBA Rank - Wade #3

[drewm88]

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/7116899/nba-player-rankings-3
http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/page/5-on-5-111018/nba-#nbarank-1-5-debate

3. Dwyane Wade at No. 3: Too high, too low or just right


Henry Abbott, ESPN.com: Just right. The highest-ranked player who is roughly the size of ordinary humans, and therefore likely the one who does best in the comments. One of the worst things about the SuperFriends in Miami is that the team is fairly balanced now. Back when Wade had to do everything, the highlights were outrageous. With James' size, Wade clearly would be the best player in NBA history.

J.A. Adande, ESPN.com: Too low. The best combination of ability, decision-making and moxie in the league. How many other players could add the reigning MVP to their roster and still maintain "ownership" of the team?

Mark Haubner, TrueHoop Network: Just right. Beyond D-Wade's well-documented stat-stuffing brilliance, what I marvel at most is how often the 6-foot-4 shooting guard helps provide basket protection for Miami's elite team D. After constant injuries seemed to be threatening to turn him into another Penny Hardaway/Tracy McGrady-style flameout, it's been great to see D-Wade average 77 games played with high production over the past three seasons.

John Hollinger, ESPN.com: Just right. In fact, I'd argue this is the easiest call on the board. There are two players in the league who are clearly better than Wade, but he's clearly better than everyone else.

Marc Stein, ESPN.com: Too high. But by only a sliver, because he's got to be in the top five somewhere. He continues to make huge shots even though he's not a natural shooter and he routinely sprinkles in the sort of effective playmaking when necessary that we always wanted to see (but rarely did) from another killer scorer: Allen Iverson. There were multiple moments in the Finals, even as the Heat were flaming out, that left you marveling at what a wrecking ball D-Wade can still be when fully healthy.



Lebron and Howard are 1-2, order not yet revealed.

[Clam Crowder]

I would put him at 3. I don't agree with Dirk's place I would have put Durant at 5.