Dwyane Wade shares the reason why he wore jersey no. 3

After MJ, Dwyane Wade found inspiration in Allen Iverson

© Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

Former Chicago Bulls player and Chicago native Dwyane Wade wore the number 3 on his jersey for most of his decorated career. Except for a brief stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers, when he wore number 9, Wade is best known for his association with the number 3. When asked about why he chose to wear it, Wade explained it had a lot to do with another iconic player who also wore the same number—Allen “The Answer” Iverson.

Hero of the culture

Wade has always been vocal about how his favorite player growing up was His Airness, Michael Jordan. However, by the time Wade entered the NBA in 2003 and joined the Miami Heat, Jordan already retired for the second and final time. Iverson, on the other hand, was still running with the Philadelphia 76ers, and to Wade, A.I. was a hero of the culture.

“Michael Jordan was my favorite player. But as I was growing up as a kid, as Michael Jordan decided to retire from the game, Allen Iverson became the hero of our culture,” Wade said.

“I think a lot of people know I wear No. 3, but a lot of people don’t know why I wear No. 3. And so I just wanted to take this moment as an opportunity that is supposed to be about me, and I wanted to be able to shine light and give flowers to individuals that allow me and help me get here,” Wade added.

Gave the blueprint for success

During his prime, Iverson championed individuality and authenticity in the culture, giving players of all backgrounds a blueprint for success. From his fearless play on the floor to his audacious look off of it, Iverson was a revolutionary figure who inspired millions around the world.

“Allen Iverson gave me the image of how it looks like, how it could be done coming from the broken community that I came from. So I want to give him his flowers in front of the world because he deserves it,” Wade said.