If Dwyane Wade intended to use the Paris Olympics as an announcer for a future NBA job, his plans seem to be going quite well.
A three-time NBA champion with the Miami Heat, Wade is calling men’s basketball games in Paris alongside lead play-by-play man Ian Eagle. The legend’s NBA background and specific knowledge of the players on Team USA have already made him a seamless fit as a color commentator. Wade really shined as the Americans blew out Team Serbia 110-84 in their opening Group C game.
READ MORE: Why is Joel Embiid getting booed at the Olympics?
What stood out most was Wade’s apparent catchphrase referring to players like LeBron James with the pronouns “he-HIM.” Wade’s live analysis of plays was also top-notch, too. No frill, no fluff. He just took in the game and provided the right amount of insight.
Y’all know the pronouns: HIM https://t.co/WNbD9GWMLA
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) July 28, 2024
However, there are still some rough parts around the edges for the still-green broadcaster.
For one, Wade definitely overused the “he-HIM” catchphrase. A more experienced beloved announcer uses it maybe a few times a game, not several times in one half like Wade did. Wade also constantly referenced his “personally” knowing the players on Team USA. We get it. You are friends with LeBron James and Kevin Durant. Back to the game, please.
With that said, these are things Wade can definitely work on with more experience because the overall product he’s delivered thus far at the Olympics has been top-notch. ESPN, NBC, Amazon — take notes for any color commentator openings.
Wade is available. And if he wants the opportunity, he will probably be great.
Dwyane Wade using the same joke after every play pic.twitter.com/uN1FP7TQRy
— Michael Nania (@Michael_Nania) July 28, 2024
“he/him you know his pronouns” is so hard LMFAO dwyane wade is great at commentating already
— (@godspeedbrother) July 28, 2024
It’s early but Noah Eagle and Dwyane Wade are roughly 100 times better than JJ and Doris last season
— Andrew Sharp (@andrewsharp) July 28, 2024
Let me bet the 900th person to say: Noah Eagle and Dwyane Wade need to be an NBA booth when NBC gets the rights
— Harrison Faigen (@hmfaigen) July 28, 2024
Watching USA basketball on NBC while Dwyane Wade commentates pic.twitter.com/Rz3BEl4hUe
— Hard Rock Bet (@HardRockBet) July 28, 2024
Dwayne Wade is a natural on the mic. I hope he’s a regular once NBA is on NBC.
— Joe Serpico (@JoeSerp) July 28, 2024
Listening to DWade is fun.
Other broadcasters tangents make it sound like they hate the game.
He just appreciates watching greatness.
It makes for a more enjoyable watching experience.
— i. adan (@Imman_Adan) July 28, 2024