Wade Takes A Jab At Nowitzki
10th February, 2007 - 12:03 am
Miami Herald -

After the Heat practiced Thursday at Quicken Loans Arena, Dwyane Wade was asked if he believes players are ultimately remembered for what they do at the end of games.

Wade, who usually is selective and subtle with his criticisms of opposing players, took the opportunity to take a jab at Dallas' Dirk Nowitzki, who has failed to give the Heat credit for beating the Mavericks in the Finals last season.

''At the end of the day,'' Wade said, ``you're remembered for what you did at the end. . . . I think that's the reason -- Dirk says they gave us the championship last year, but he's the reason they lost the championship, because he wasn't the leader that he's supposed to be in the closing moments. That's because of great defense by us, but also he wasn't assertive enough as a leader's supposed to be.''

Cuban Defends Dirk, Fires Back At Wade
10th February, 2007 - 12:08 am
BlogMaverick.com -

After Dwyane Wade took a shot at the leadership skills of Mavericks go to guy Dirk Nowitzki, everyone knew it wouldn't be long before Mark Cuban defended his big man. Cuban, once again, did not let us down, rewarding his readers via his blog at blogmaverick.com

''I guess you have earned the right to criticize Dirk with an obvious display of your own leadership skills.

I know Shaq appreciates your leadership as well. He called out your team a few weeks ago saying it was "embarassing'. Great leadership DWade. Your coach sat players for being fat. I guess you couldnt lead them away from the buffet.

You are an amazing player Dwayne. I love watching you shoot free throws. What you know about Dirk's leadership skills is non existent. You don't have a clue. Your ability to evaluate leadership skills....well you obviously have an overinflated value of your own. Did you take business classes at Marquette ?''

You are an amazing player Dwayne. I love watching you shoot free throws.