Chris Paul and Dwyane Wade recently engaged in a conversation on “The Why” podcast, reflecting on their illustrious NBA journeys. They delved briefly into the reasons behind the famous “Banana Boat Crew” not being able to unite in Miami.

Wade, Paul, LeBron James, and Carmelo Anthony share a strong bond, having teamed up for the United States’ Olympic squad in 2008 and occasionally vacationing together.

Over the years, speculation about a potential super team has surfaced, particularly during the Miami Heat’s prime and again when LeBron James signed with the Lakers in 2018.

When faced with a life-changing opportunity, there are moments when one decides to take a leap of faith and seize it. Chris Paul had such chance when he was invited to join the Heat in Miami, alongside LeBron James and Dwyane Wade. However, the opportunity slipped away because Paul and Wade couldn’t agree on who would wear jersey No. 3.

“After we talked for a while, and then we decided that I wasn’t gonna go to Miami and all that,” Paul said . “C.J., I remember my brother was sitting over there on the couch. And C.J. was like, ‘That ain’t gonna work anyway, ’cause who gonna wear No. 3?’ C.J. said, ‘Who gonna wear No. 3?’ And then you was on the phone, you know what’s crazy? I sorta found out who you were then.”

Paul contended that Wade should have been open to relinquishing his jersey number to facilitate their collaboration. However, Wade countered, stating that he couldn’t part with No. 3 because of the significant history he had forged with it during his time with the Heat.

“No, that was, like, my team. I couldn’t give up No. 3,” Wade said. “It was going to be retired there one day. I knew I couldn’t do that.”

We can acknowledge the significance of uniform numbers, as they often become intertwined with a player’s legacy, as seen with CP3. Considering the prime years of both Paul and Wade, and the involvement of young superstar egos, it’s not surprising if these discussions unfolded as described. Nevertheless, it remains a missed opportunity for the basketball world.

More than ten years later, Paul finds himself nearing the end of his career without an NBA championship ring. If he had teamed up with LeBron from the beginning and remained for all four years, Paul could have been a two-time NBA champion, and perhaps even contributed to winning another title. While CP3 and D-Wade may chuckle about it now, they’re aware they missed out on something extraordinary.

By Vincent Quezada

Photo courtesy of David J. Phillip/ AP Photo, splashnewsonline.com