When Dwayne Wade tells you to call him something, you must proceed to do so, or else he won't answer your question. In the press conference, following the Miami Heat's Game 7 victory to claim their second consecutive championship and Wade's third championship, "3" embarrassed a reporter for not following his instructions.
"My name is 3. Not Dwyane. Alright? Thank you," said Wade comically immediately after sitting on his chair before fielding questions.
Okay, so why was Wade asking to be called "3"? It could be because of his number. Wade wears No. 3 for the Heat and he had a great Game 7 as he helped Miami win the 2013 championship. He finished with a double-double, scoring 23 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Wade added an assist, a steal and two blocks to led the Heat in rejections in Game 7.
Wade exploded in the second quarter, scoring 10 of his 23 points. His output helped create a path for LeBron James, who later scored 13 points in the third quarter, clearing the path to No. 3.
Why else would Wade want to be called 3?
Of course, Wade has won three championships in his NBA career. He won the first of his career and of the Heat franchise, back in 2006 with a fading Shaquille O'Neal. Wade then won it with the Heat again in 2012 and 2013 alongside the most controversial acquistion in probably sports history following Babe Ruth's move to the New York Yankees from the Boston Red Sox. With James' help, Wade is now able to walk into a press conference and ask reporters to call him a different name rather than his actual name.
When an ESPN reporter Mark Schwartz, referred to him as Wade, 3 quickly responded "Nuh-uh, no!", until Schwartz addressed him by his new nickname.
Wade is a three-time champion and although his health appears to be fading, many consider him one of the best basketball players in the history of the game.
