{"id":896133,"date":"2019-03-07T09:49:15","date_gmt":"2019-03-07T14:49:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.snkrsday.com\/?p=896133"},"modified":"2019-03-06T15:01:19","modified_gmt":"2019-03-06T20:01:19","slug":"converse-wade-1-throwback-thursday-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.snkrsday.com\/converse-wade-1-throwback-thursday-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Converse Wade 1 \/\/ Throwback Thursday"},"content":{"rendered":"
Dwayne\u2019s World.<\/em><\/p>\n Converse<\/strong> had some of the most notable and iconic players serve as its brand and global ambassadors during the NBA glory days of the ’80s including Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, whose epic and fierce rivalry and comedic Converse Weapon TV commercials remain equally timeless and legendary as their performances on the basketball hardwood.<\/p>\n Following Converse\u2019s basketball nirvana and prominence in the ’80s and REACT recess of the ’90s, the brand entered the new millennium in search of a new face, a player whose personality, smile and intelligence could represent the brand\u2019s deep history and heritage while helping the brand stay relevant in a time where sportswear and basketball sneakers shifted towards a fashion-forward, lifestyle aesthetic.<\/p>\n In 2003, a young, rising star from the South Side of Chicago would emerge from the college ranks to become one of the game\u2019s greatest shooting guards, helping transform not only an entire NBA franchise and city, but also helping to define and ultimately redefine a company\u2019s identity and subsequent return to prominence as an established, recognized basketball global giant.<\/p>\n His name was\u00a0Dwayne Wade<\/strong>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n A 3x NBA Champion, 13x NBA All-Star, 3x All-NBA First Team, 2006 NBA Finals MVP and undoubtedly the greatest Miami Heat player in franchise history, Dwayne Wade has not only proven himself but also silenced the dissenters throughout his illustrious future Hall of Fame career.<\/p>\n Now in his 16th and final season which recently saw him eclipse Jordan\u2019s record for most blocks by a guard in NBA history \u2013 today\u2019s Snkrs Day\u2019 Throwback Thursday<\/em> turns back the clock where we remember Wade\u2019s first championship shoe, his inaugural Converse<\/strong> signature silhouette, the Wade 1<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Raised on the South Side of Chicago, Wade\u2019s basketball acumen was improved and perfected both on the streets of the Windy City, at Richard\u2019s High School in Oak Lawn and followed by his playing days at Marquette in the Big East Conference where he led his college team to an NCAA Final Four appearance three years after setting foot on campus.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Following his collegiate success, Wade was selected as the fifth overall selection in the 2003 NBA Draft, one of the most talented NBA Draft classes in history.<\/p>\n Wade made his presence immediately felt his rookie year in Miami, helping transform the franchise and injecting life into a fan base which had fallen on tough times amid a slow and painful rebuild after years of past playoff failure.<\/p>\n In his first few years, Wade slowly blossomed into a full-fledged NBA superstar, gradually increasing his scoring each season throughout the early part of his career. In the process, he was named to the All-NBA Rookie Team, All-NBA Second Team, NBA All-Defense Second Team as well, eventually being named an All-Star, illustrating his ability to compete as a complete, two-way player.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n His sophomore campaign, the 2004-2005 season, was a defining year for the Miami Heat franchise and for the career of Dwayne Wade as well.<\/p>\n Shaquille O\u2019Neal \u2013 Superman \u2013 would play alongside Flash to lead the Heat to a 59-23 record, clinching the Atlantic Division and the Eastern Conference as well. While Shaq received ample media attention, falling just short in NBA MVP voting to Phoenix Suns\u2019 point guard, Steve Nash, it was Wade who truly blossomed into his own, averaging an impressive stat line of 26.3 points, 8.8 assists, and 6.0 rebounds while shooting 50% from the field.<\/p>\n By 2006, Wade, Shaq and the Heat were ready for the big stage.<\/p>\n