Dirk Nowitzki played 20 years in the NBA, averaging 20.7 points and 7.5 assists per game playing in 1522 career games. Dirk has had a legendary career having won a Finals MVP, one NBA championship, 2007 MVP, 14 time All-Star, and 12 time All-NBA player. Dirk's accomplishments are impressive to say the least. At the time he came into the league the stereotypical power forward was Karl Malone, a big strong back to the basketball player. Dirk came in and revolutionized the forward position to now teams want to find a shooter at the position. Dirk is going to go down as one of the greatest European players of all time and has inspired millions of Europeans all over the world.
Dwayne Wade has played 15 years in the NBA, averaging 22 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.4 assists a game playing in 1054 career games. Wade's accomplishments can compete with anyones having 3 championships, a Finals MVP, 13 time All-Star, 8 time All-NBA player, and 3 time All-Defensive team. Wade is the all time blocks leader for guards, he's best known for his time with the Miami Heat and only left momentarily because of money issues. The Heat promised that if Wade kept taking less of a paycheck they would eventually pay him back for all of his sacrifices, but never did which made Wade leave for Chicago. Wade successfully recruited LeBron James and Chris Bosh to come into his town to help win 2 championships and they created on of the most famous teams of all time. That Miami Heat team became bigger than life, with everyone wearing their jerseys and they helped change the game forever. With that team it started to turn the fans from cheering for teams to cheering for just players. Wade will have a statue in front of that arena one day and it'll forever be known as Wade County.
Although Wade played 5 less years I would have to go with Wade. After Dirk won a championship he didn't really make noise again in his career. The Mavericks never made it out of the 1st round again since that championship and the last few years of Dirk have been extremely wasted. This last season Dirk could barley move and it has became a joke to watch Dirk run. Wade still is producing even this year with 15 points, 4 assists, and 4 rebounds. The Heat could've made it to the playoffs if Josh Richardson didn't get hurt at the worst time possible. Wade has had the better career and was a force on the defensive end, where Dirk was really never known for his defense.
The best comparisons to players coming in now to these guys are Donovan Mitchell, who is a modern day Wade, and Kristaps Porzingis, who is a modern day Dirk. If you had to start a franchise with a rookie Wade or a rookie Dirk you'd have to pick Wade. In his prime he couldn't be stopped and could put any team on his back and help them win games. He's a force who will be missed around the league. Miami will never be the same without Dwayne Wade.
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