Dwyane Wade & ex-Bulls guard fire back at Stephen A. Smith for downplaying Tyrese Haliburton's 'superstar' label

Dwyane Wade and Jay Williams have reacted to Stephen A. Smith’s comments on Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton.

In an episode of "First Take" shared on Instagram Friday, Smith explained why he isn’t convinced Haliburton is a superstar yet.

"When I judge and I think about a superstar, I'm thinking about the No. 1 option on a night in-night out basis that's having to carry a certain load that others don't normally carry," Smith said.

The ESPN analyst added that Kevin Durant, LeBron James and Steph Curry carry the load for their teams every game. Smith argued that Haliburton is different and labeled him a “young, rising star” instead.

Wade, a three-time NBA champion, shared his view on what makes a superstar.

"A superstar in basketball is a player who you give the ball to to deliver and they deliver!" Wade wrote.

Williams replied:

"Tell this man D Wade."

Dwayne Wade and Jay Williams' comments on Steph A. Smith's take on Tyrese Haliburton's 'superstar' label (Credits: Instagram/@firsttake)

Williams, currently an NBA analyst, played one season in the league. The Chicago Bulls drafted the 6-foot-2 guard as the second overall pick in 2002. However, his career was cut short due to a motorcycle accident in 2003.

Dwyane Wade, who was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2023, played 16 years in the NBA and is currently part of the Utah Jazz ownership group.

Dwyane Wade and Jay Williams have separately praised Tyrese Haliburton's NBA Finals debut

The Indiana Pacers stole Game 1 of the NBA Finals behind Tyrese Haliburton’s game-winning shot. The two-time All-Star hit a mid-range jumper to seal a 111-110 victory.

On Friday's "Get Up," Williams commended Indiana’s resilience and praised Haliburton’s poise.

"The Pacers didn't just win," Williams said. "Once again they've broken basketball logic. ... Tyrese Haliburton is officially the most dangerous man in chaos."

Meanwhile, "Wy Network," a podcast hosted by Wade, shared the NBA legend’s reaction to the thrilling finish of Game 1. The 13-time All-Star called the game one of the greatest he has ever witnessed and labeled Haliburton a superstar.

"Haliburton is a f***** superstar," Wade said. "It ain't no question no more. ... I'm gonna get a jersey. I need to get it signed."

Haliburton finished Game 1 with 14 points, 10 rebounds and six assists on 4-for-11 shooting. Game 2 will be Sunday before the series shifts to Indiana’s Gainbridge Fieldhouse for Games 3 and 4.