Basketball legend Dwyane Wade has once again made headlines not for his play on the court, but for his outspoken commentary on the state of the game. Appearing on The Underground Lounge podcast, Wade confidently declared that some of the WNBA’s brightest stars, including A’ja Wilson, have the skills and intelligence to outperform certain NBA players.
The remarks have fueled widespread debate, landing at the perfect time as the WNBA continues its surge in popularity and visibility.
The Conversation: Lou Williams and D-Wade Weigh In
The discussion began with former NBA Sixth Man of the Year Lou Williams, who admitted that many of his peers dismiss the idea that women could compete against NBA players. Williams disagreed, insisting that several WNBA players are more than capable. Wade immediately backed him up:
“You are damn right,” Wade said. “There are a few. A’ja Wilson can beat a couple. She is smart.”
Wade explained his reasoning by critiquing a weakness he sees in today’s NBA: a lack of basketball intelligence.
Skill vs. Athleticism
Wade’s comments centered on the difference between raw athletic ability and true basketball IQ. He argued that too many NBA players rely solely on physical gifts while neglecting fundamentals.
“One thing about a lot of basketball players is they are not smart,” Wade noted. “A lot of players only know how to do one or two things. You may just be athletic, and they say, ‘Go be an athlete.’ That’s not your fault. Sometimes they don’t coach you, they just tell you to go be an athlete.”
In contrast, Wade praised Wilson’s adaptability, footwork, and ability to read the game skills that could easily expose players who depend on system-driven roles.
A Subtle Critique of the Modern NBA
Wade also took aim at the predictable style of play in today’s NBA. Heavy reliance on pick-and-rolls and corner three-pointers, he argued, often stifles creativity.
“You don’t know the game outside of pick and roll,” Wade said. “Get into a 1-on-1 with someone like A’ja Wilson, who knows how to play basketball, has crazy footwork, and all that you’re gonna get tore up if you don’t know the game. This isn’t just about being an athlete.”
It was both a glowing endorsement of Wilson and a sharp critique of how NBA systems sometimes limit player growth.
Why A’ja Wilson Stands Out
Wilson’s résumé makes Wade’s praise anything but surprising. She is already a three-time Co-Defensive Player of the Year, a perennial MVP candidate, and one of the faces of the WNBA. Beyond accolades, her high-level basketball IQ, versatility, and leadership on the floor embody everything Wade highlighted in his remarks.
Her popularity also extends off the court, particularly among Miami Heat fans, thanks to her close relationship with Heat star Bam Adebayo. Together, they’ve become one of basketball’s most recognized power couples.
Wade: More Than Just Commentary
This view by Wade has an additional weight since she is a part-owner of the Chicago Sky as well as being a retired player, and one of the most vocal proponents of the WNBA. He actively goes to football matches, advertises the league in public, and uses his connections to popularize women’s basketball.
He has a real appreciation of Wilson based on her association with Miami, and because he believes in her brilliant talent.
What If? The WNBA vs. NBA Fantasy
Although the concept of WNBA players competing with NBA players is more likely just a hypothetical one, the remarks by Wade are pushing the limits of the discussion. As NBA All-Star Weekend continues to put its nose into different events, there is already speculation among the fans that some kind of cross-league showcase might happen in the future.
Although it may never come about, one thing is certain, as Wade puts it: these matches would be much more competitive than some may believe.
My Take
The remarks of Dwayne Wade are not headline fodder, but rather a timely call to the obsolete way of looking at women in basketball. Wade highlights that to become a great player, you have to be a master of fundamentals, and in this case, Wade focuses on how A’ja Wilson rides, on her footwork, her smartness, and how she understands the game.
His criticism of the new NBA is also persuasive. At a time when pure play is often lost behind the formulas and algorithms of the system, Wade can remind us that basketball IQ is the final leveler.
To summarize, his statements make Wilson a better person and drive the conversation at large to a level of recognizing the talent of the WNBA. It is an invigorating twist, one that not only glorifies the sport of women in basketball but also gives the male game a prod to reconnect with its innovative side.
