The BIG3 is becoming more popular with basketball fans, but it could reach greater heights with the potential addition of recently retired NBA superstar Dwyane Wade.
According to an interview by Zach Frydenlund of Complex, BIG3 co-founder and hip hop artist Ice Cube wants a number of players to join the 3-on-3 basketball league in the future, including Wade.
“Of course, I mean we got Vince Carter out there,” Ice Cube said. “You got Dwyane Wade. You got Zach Randolph, Jamal Crawford, Monta Ellis.”
Ice Cube was asked if he recruits the players himself or if that is a job better left to the teams.
“I’ll make those calls with no problem, if it comes to that point,” Ice Cube replied. “I let our commissioner engage. Chauncey Billups does a lot of reaching out for us. I like for players to hear from their basketball peers to see if they really want to play or not. I talked to Joe Johnson at the very end. I sent him a text to say I heard you were thinking about playing. I’ve been badgering people for a year or two, like Gilbert Arenas, and he finally played. I don’t mind recruiting. I think I’m the best recruiter in the damn nation. I can get these dudes to sign. But I think the League should sell itself at a certain point. I don’t think I need to be trying to persuade people to play because it’s pro basketball, man. You got to be ready. You’re not going to have a good time, if you’re not ready.”
A three-time NBA champion, Wade has had more time in his hands to explore his many interests after he retired from professional basketball following the conclusion of the 2018-19 regular season.
Nonetheless, a return to the court via the BIG3 could be in the cards for Wade if he realizes that his competitive fire has been rekindled after a year or two into retirement.
Should the 37-year-old guard decide that he wants to return to the hardwood, you can almost be sure that Ice Cube will give him a call.
Wade continues to keep himself in shape even after his NBA career came to an end, making him a prime candidate for other leagues like the BIG3 to pursue him.
