The EPSYs honored NBA legend Carmelo Anthony yesterday. The ceremony had some memorable moments for hoop fans. Yet there was one hilarious moment that many might have not witnessed. Miami Heat legend Dwyane Wade who joined NBA superstars LeBron James and Chris Paul on the stage gave one of the most iconic speeches. However, in one part of the speech, the 3-time champion did not forget to remind Anthony about a throwback from 2003. The 2003 draft class is considered one of the best classes of all time. However, fans might not know how these legends view it.?

Dwyane Wade’s inside joke instantly put a smile on Anthony’s face but left several crowd members clueless. What was the inside joke from Wade??

Dwayne Wade taunts Melo; Banana Boat Banter

Three legends from the same draft class, Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade, and LeBron James joined together to celebrate the former’s retirement. The ‘Banana Boat’ club assembled yesterday, with the newest Warrior Chris Paul emerging on stage too. However, Wade single-handedly stole the show with his speech.?

Hall of Fame-bound Wade has never failed to bring out his notorious side with his draft buddies. Especially with Melo, who he shared unique history with in the year of the draft.

The Flash?subtly smiled as he shared in his speech yesterday,?“You became one of my favorite players. We met on bourbon street in 2003…”?as Melo couldn’t control his laughter.?

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Bourbon Street is in reference to the first time these legends faced off. Back in 2003, Wade’s Marquette and Melo’s Syracuse were in the NCAA’s Final Four. It was held in New Orleans where an actual Bourbon Street exists. Anthony would go on to secure the first national title for his Syracuse Orange.

Perhaps the three-time champ is a little salty about not being able to do the same with Marquette. Nonetheless, this wasn’t the first time Dwyane Wade shared banter with the 2013 scoring champion!

Wade taunted Carmelo Anthony back in 2020 in a video call

D-Wade never fails to mention the Detroit Pistons’ misery on Anthony.?

Well, both the scoring leader and Anthony knew they were gonna end up at the top in their draft class. James was expected to be a first pick and the 11-time All-Star to be the second. However, the Detroit Pistons with their second pick went on to choose Darko Milicic over Melo.?

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When these two legends decided to connect over a video call, Wade made sure he embarrassed the Knicks legend in front of live viewers. The 13-time All-Star mentioned,?“Darko Milicic” to which Carmelo Anthony responded?“Who”?with a grin.?

Wade specified,?“Darko…the guy who went ahead of you.”

Although Wade was drafted as the fifth pick in the NBA draft, Melo went ahead of him at 3. To be fair, the 2003 draft class was stacked. Chris Bosh, Boris Diaw, David West and Zaza Pachulia were all drafted this year. And each of them retired as champions.?

Now, with Melo’s retirement official, LeBron is the last one standing.?

What are your thoughts on this inside joke from Wade? Share your thoughts in the comments below.?

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