"That was the moment I realized I was in basketball heaven" - When Dwyane Wade reminisced about meeting Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan at NBA Top 75 ceremony
Dwyane Wade was named to the NBA's 75th Anniversary Team and was able to spend time with Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan, two of the greatest players of all time. A few months ago, the future Hall of Famer shared what it was like to be surrounded by all-time greats he grew up watching.
"I just looked around and I ran into Magic at one point when I first walked in," he said. "He was like 'D Wade, only 75 people got this jacket'. And Mike creeps in and Mike gave me some love and every time, I don't care, this is Mike.
"So Mike came and gave me love then he went right to the old dog. He went right to Magic, right? That clip that went viral and, if you see my face, that was the moment that I realized I was in basketball heaven."
Despite his status as one of the game's 75 greatest players, Dwyane Wade couldn't help but revert to being a fan upon seeing Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan. Growing up in Chicago during Jordan's career, Wade has always been open about the fact that he started playing basketball because of the Bulls legend.
Watch Dwyane Wade discuss being in basketball heaven below:
Dwyane Wade labels Michael Jordan the greatest of all time
Dwyane Wade is very close friends with LA Lakers superstar LeBron James. The two future Hall of Famers spent several seasons as teammates, winning two championships together. Wade, however, revealed that he still views Michael Jordan as the greatest player of all time.
On I Am Athlete a year ago, Wade was asked who he believes is the greatest player of all time. The three-time champion didn't hesitate, stating:
"Michael Jordan. LeBron is one of my good friends, I have so much respect for what he's doing now, what he's done, and what he will eventually do because he's not done yet.
"I come from the Jordan era. I am biased and I'm going to be as biased to the day I pass away. Michael Jordan will be my G.O.A.T. I'm not taking anything away from LeBron. LeBron is amazing, but Michael Jordan is my G.O.A.T. I play basketball because of Michael Jordan. He will always be my G.O.A.T."
While Wade played with LeBron and the two maintain a close friendship, it is hard to argue with his reasoning. As is the case with plenty of NBA players, Jordan's level of play inspired his Hall of Fame career.
Watch Dwyane Wade discuss the greatest of all time conversation below: