Ask a former player to compare NBA greats, and you’ll get a range of takes. But ask Jamario Moon — who shared the court with some of the game’s most iconic talents — and his answer is layered with respect, reflection, and a bold line drawn between greatness and imitation.
During a recent conversation, Jamario Moon made one thing crystal clear: Dwyane Wade is in a lane of his own.
> “I wouldn’t compare D-Wade to Mike,” Moon said straight up.
>
> “The closest thing that I have seen to Mike is Kobe. Because man…his whole demeanor; the way he walks, shoots, hand gestures, talk…everything! It’s just like you’re looking at Mike in a Laker uniform you know what I’m sayin’? That’s how I felt when I was looking at Kobe.”
While the NBA world often draws lines from legends of the past to stars of newer generations, Moon paused when it came to Wade. The former [Miami Heat](https://heatnation.com/) star’s game, toughness, and style couldn’t be traced back to one specific player — and that’s what made him different.
> “I can’t really think of a player that I can compare D-Wade to. That might be a good thing. D-Wade is probably like, ‘Yeah! I’m one of a kind baby!’ but I really can’t — I don’t think he’s — I mean, he had the fadeaway like Mike but, I wouldn’t compare D-Wade to MJ and I definitely wouldn’t compare him to AI.”
Wade’s identity as a player, Moon argued, didn’t need to lean on comparison — it stood alone.
> “I think that D-Wade was just one of a kind for real. … I really can’t think of a player. I can’t think of not one player that I would compare him to. Can you think of somebody? I don’t know. I can’t see it. He’s just his own player.”
What set Wade apart most, Moon noted, was his relentless drive and willingness to sacrifice his body every time out.
> “But when he hits the court, he’s going 110 percent, that’s for sure. He stayed on the floor — you probably could count neck and neck how many times each of ‘em hit the floor every game. That’s for sure, because they STAYED on the floor and D-Wade is going to give you everything he got.”
Moon chuckled as he reflected further on the conversation — surprised even at himself.
> “Now I gotta sit and compare all this. I never really thought about it but, like when I’m going just off the top of my head, I can’t think of nobody to compare him to. Other than him and that’s it,” he laughed.
In a league full of mirrors and throwbacks, Jamario Moon gave Dwyane Wade the ultimate compliment: There’s only one.