Dec 12, 2018; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell (45) drives to the hoop against Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade (3) in the third quarter at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-Imagn Images Jeff Swinger-Imagn Images

Heat Fans Rush To Defend Dwyane Wade In Donovan Mitchell Debate

Originally posted on Miami Heat on SI
By Shandel Richardson | Last updated May 13, 2025 10:58 AM ET

YouTuber Rusty Buckets recently started an interesting debate.

While Donovan Mitchell was in the middle of a 43-point performance in the Cleveland Cavaliers' victory against the Indiana Pacers in Game 3, he posed a question: Is Mitchell the best small player in NBA history?

Buckets posted on X: "Has there been a guy Mitchells height who plays as big as he does, like, ever? I can't think of one off the top of my head,"

Has there been a guy Mitchells height who plays as big as he does, like, ever? I can't think of one off the top of my head
— Rusty Buckets (@RustyBUCKETS321) May 10, 2025

The post drew more than a half million views. Many of the responses mentioned Miami Heat legend Dwyane Wade. Fans felt Wade was a more dynamic player for his size. Wade was generally listed at 6-foot-4 during his playing days.

Dwayne Wade Pre-LeBron era
— Jordan Ambrose (@JordanAmbrosewx) May 10, 2025

Like Mitchell, Wade played far above his height. He had plenty of big-time slam dunks over centers and forwards, including Kendrick Perkins, Jermaine O'Neal and Anderson Varejao.

pic.twitter.com/T6BxnuGa3F
— B1G Ape (@B1GSniper) May 10, 2025

Wade also holds the league record for most blocks by a player under 6-4. The only players who come close to Wade's tenacity at his size are Mitchell and Russell Westbrook when he played for the Oklahoma City Thunder.