Patrick Beverley Snubs Dwyane Wade – Picks James Harden Instead!

A Controversial Take from One of the NBA’s Most Vocal Players

Patrick Beverley has never been one to shy away from controversy, and his latest comments have set the basketball world on fire. When asked to compare two NBA legends, Dwyane Wade and James Harden, Beverley made his stance crystal clear—he would take James Harden over Wade.

This statement has sparked heated debates among fans, analysts, and even former players, as Wade is widely regarded as one of the greatest shooting guards of all time, with three NBA championships to his name. Harden, on the other hand, has built a career as one of the most dominant scorers in league history but has yet to win a championship.

So, why did Patrick Beverley make this pick? Is there any truth to his argument, or is this just another case of Beverley stirring the pot?

In this article, we’ll break down:

• Patrick Beverley’s reasoning for choosing James Harden over Dwyane Wade

• A statistical comparison between the two NBA superstars

• How each player impacted the game during their prime years

• What NBA legends and analysts have to say about Beverley’s take

• The legacy of both players and where they rank all-time

Let’s dive into what might be one of the most controversial NBA takes of 2025.

Why Did Patrick Beverley Choose James Harden Over Dwyane Wade?

Beverley’s Close Ties with Harden

Patrick Beverley and James Harden were teammates for five seasons with the Houston Rockets (2012–2017). During that time, they formed a strong bond, with Harden leading the offense as the team’s superstar and Beverley providing his trademark gritty defense and relentless energy.

It’s no secret that Beverley has deep respect for Harden, having witnessed firsthand his work ethic, skill set, and offensive dominance. This personal connection likely played a role in his decision to favor Harden over Wade.

Scoring Dominance vs. Two-Way Greatness

One of the key arguments for James Harden over Dwyane Wade is offensive firepower. Harden has built a reputation as one of the greatest scorers in NBA history, winning three scoring titles and averaging 36.1 points per game in the 2018-19 season—a feat that Wade never came close to achieving.

However, Dwyane Wade was a two-way superstar, excelling as both a scorer and an elite defender. Wade finished his career with more steals and blocks than Harden and played a crucial role in Miami’s NBA championships—something Harden has yet to accomplish.

Does Harden’s Longevity Give Him an Edge?

Beverley also emphasized Harden’s longevity and durability compared to Wade. While Wade struggled with injuries throughout his career, Harden has been remarkably durable, playing at an elite level for over a decade.

Additionally, Harden’s offensive arsenal has evolved over time, with his ability to shoot from deep, create off the dribble, and facilitate for teammates keeping him relevant in an ever-changing NBA landscape.

Statistical Breakdown: James Harden vs. Dwyane Wade

Numbers never lie, so let’s break down the careers of Dwyane Wade and James Harden side by side.

From a pure numbers standpoint, Harden holds an edge in scoring, assists, three-point shooting, and free throw percentage, while Wade was a better overall defender and more efficient inside scorer.

But is that enough to say Harden had a better career than Wade?

Impact on the Game: Who Was More Dominant in Their Prime?

Dwyane Wade’s Legacy as One of the Greatest Two-Way Guards

At his peak, Dwyane Wade was nearly unstoppable, leading the Miami Heat to three NBA championships (2006, 2012, 2013). His 2006 Finals performance, where he averaged 34.7 PPG, is considered one of the greatest Finals performances ever, earning him Finals MVP honors.

Wade was also an elite defender, ranking among the best shot-blocking guards in NBA history. His ability to guard multiple positions, make clutch plays, and lead a team to a championship cemented his status as a top-five shooting guard of all time.

James Harden’s Evolution into an Offensive Juggernaut

While Harden lacks a championship, his offensive dominance cannot be ignored. During his prime with the Houston Rockets, he revolutionized isolation scoring, step-back three-pointers, and free-throw drawing techniques, making him one of the most unstoppable offensive players in NBA history.

His 2018 MVP season (30.4 PPG, 8.8 APG, 5.4 RPG) showcased his ability to single-handedly carry an offense, and many argue that if not for Golden State’s dynasty, he could have multiple championships by now.

Reactions from the NBA Community

Beverley’s comments sparked reactions from NBA analysts, former players, and fans alike.

🏀 Shaquille O’Neal (Former teammate of Wade): “No disrespect to Harden, but Wade was a killer. He won when it mattered most.”

🏀 Kendrick Perkins (NBA Analyst): “I get why Beverley is saying this. Harden was his guy in Houston, but let’s not get it twisted—Wade was a winner, period.”

🏀 Stephen A. Smith (ESPN): “If we’re talking about who can get you 40 points on any given night, Harden. But if we’re talking about who I want in the Finals, I’m taking D-Wade every time.”

While some agree with Beverley’s stance on Harden, the consensus seems to lean in favor of Wade’s championship pedigree and two-way dominance.

Final Verdict: Was Beverley Right?

Ultimately, choosing between James Harden and Dwyane Wade comes down to personal preference:

✔ If you value championships, defense, and clutch performances—Wade is the better pick.
✔ If you prioritize offensive dominance, longevity, and individual accolades—Harden has a case.

While Beverley’s take might not be popular, it’s a reminder of how subjective NBA comparisons can be. One thing’s for sure—this debate isn’t ending anytime soon.

What do you think? Was Patrick Beverley right in picking James Harden over Dwyane Wade? Let us know in the comments!