Basketball legend Isiah Thomas believes that Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat is the greatest basketball player to have come out of Chicago.

Via Twitter, Thomas gave Wade a shoutout and said that he'll gladly be the second best player from Chicago. Wade, for his part, acknowledged Thomas' legendary status in the NBA and for inspiring Chicago natives to pursue their basketball dreams.

Their exchange came in after Dwyane Wade's final game in Chicago on Saturday. In their 117-103 victory, the 37-year-old dropped 14 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists in 27 minutes of play.

Related NewsArticle continues below
Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday (4) controls the ball during the second half against the Orlando Magic at TD Garden.
Ranking 3 best Jrue Holiday trade destinations if Celtics make big changes
Dwyane Wade looks on from the media bench during the first half between Canada and Greece during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Stade Pierre-Mauroy.
Dwyane Wade puts Jimmy Butler on blast for Timberwolves series

From his humble beginnings in the inner city, Wade rose up as a collegiate star to leading the Heat to multiple championships to being a bona fide basketball icon. Per KC Jonhson of the Chicago Tribune, Wade shared that he has always believed that Thomas, who made a name for himself with the Detroit Pistons, is the best baller who was born and raised in Chicago.

“When people have asked me who I think the best player who was born and raised in Chicago, I always go with Isiah Thomas,” Wade said of the Pistons Hall of Famer. “But I had a lot of friends who were amazing, Chicago high school basketball players like Q-Rich (Quentin Richardson) and Corey Maggette. I’ve been able to sit and watch so many great players before me during my time.”

Chicago has indeed been a breeding ground for basketball talents. After Thomas, there's Wade — and many more in between them. The question now is: who's the next Chicago native to forge his way among the best to ever touch a basketball?