"I wanted to be like Jordan" - Joe Johnson defends Dwyane Wade's controversial GOAT pick over LeBron

Whenever debates arise regarding the GOAT of the NBA, Michael Jordan and LeBron James inevitably stand at the center. Most who enter that discussion have a clear pick and are often seen highlighting the shortcomings of the other to justify their reason for not handing them the crown.

So when Dwyane Wade, who is one of James' closest buddies and has won two championships with him, recently picked MJ as his GOAT, many were irked by his choice. However, Joe Johnson has publicly come out to defend D-Wade, explaining that the latter's choice is far from disrespecting his former teammate.

Joe Johnson truly understood D-Wade's perspective

Growing up in Chicago during the '90s, when Jordan led the Bulls to six championships in eight years, was one of the most inspiring eras for young hoopers in the city. Moreover, considering that in each of those seasons, Mike led in scoring and won the Finals MVP award, it further added another layer of mystique to his personality. Put simply. For youngsters like Wade, the dream was not to win championships but the chase the same aura as that of Jordan.

As a result, Johnson pointed out how Wade experienced that environment firsthand. As the entire city of Chicago considered Jordan as its badge of pride, the five-time MVP unsurprisingly became a hero for almost every sports fan.

On the other hand, while it's true that very few have experienced the way LeBron influences and elevates a franchise to consistently be in championship contention as Wade, Johnson made it clear how Wade's admiration for Jordan does not discredit his respect for LBJ.

However, the emotional connection Wade holds with Jordan - the influence, the inspiration and the childhood heroism is what makes Wade choose him over everybody else in the NBA realm.

"I totally understand what he's said. I grew up watching Michael Jordan; that's my GOAT. He made the game sexy. He made it to where, as a kid growing up in the '90s, 'I wanted to be like Jordan.' That's probably who D-Wade grew up watching as well. But he also played with LeBron James, who obviously, right now, every time he scores a bucket, it goes down in history. You know what I mean?  He's gonna be the GOAT when it comes to all these records. I understand what he is saying. I played with LeBron in '06 in the Olympics. He was a hell of a player, I mean, he has no weaknesses."

GOAT debates are often made more complicated than they should be

Of course, had it not been for LeBron, who knows if Wade could've had a total of three NBA championships registered against his name? However, for those who admire a player more than the game, hero worship often begins long before friendships form. For Wade, Jordan represented excellence long before he ever shared the court with LeBron.

Thus, when fans and analysts fiercely divide themselves in this eternal GOAT debate, they must remember that both Jordan and James have carved resumes unmatched in NBA history. Wade's opinion does not undermine LeBron's greatness; it simply acknowledges the impact of the icon who shaped his dream.

Given how close Wade is to a 21-time All-Star, he truly understands how content James is with his career and holds no grudges over one's opinion.

Related: Reggie Miller believes two more rings will make Nikola Jokic the greatest center of all-time: "He is competing with Shaq and Kareem"

This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Nov 29, 2025, where it first appeared in the Off The Court section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.