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Dwyane Wade Says The Hatred For The Big Three-Led Miami Heat Was Racially Motivated

In 2010, LeBron James left the NBA universe in a state of shock after announcing his intention to join the Miami Heat. From there, LeBron, alongside Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, formed an all-time great team, marching to four consecutive NBA Finals and winning two of them along the away.

Not only did the Heat make their mark as one of the greatest teams ever assembled, but they also painted themselves as one of the most hated NBA teams of all-time. 

They were the villains of the NBA during their time. And even today, LeBron and the Heat still receive a lot flak for kick-starting the player empowerment movement and the superteam phenomenon in the NBA.

Speaking to “The Old Man & The Three” podcast, Heat legend Dwyane Wade now reflected on the hate they received during the Heat’s Big 3 era. According to the three-time NBA champion, the hatred for them was racially motivated.

“We knew that some of the hate was because of our skin color,” he claimed. “Because of being Black men and deciding to control the fate of our careers. … So, when we had the power, when we had the moment, we took it. But some of the hate came because we were three Black guys who decided and changed the way that the NBA probably would ever be because of that decision.”

.@DwyaneWade reflects on the hate LeBron received when he decided to join the Miami Heat.

For more superteam stories: https://t.co/NiWsDPXU3d pic.twitter.com/hYnXz4UHMB

— TheOldMan&TheThree (@OldManAndThree) August 12, 2022