Throughout the history of the NBA, numerous star-studded teams have emerged, each defining their respective era. However, after Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen's Chicago Bulls ended in the '90s, the Miami Heat's Big 3 of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade , and Chris Bosh was seen as the first iconic trio that dominated all headlines. The hype for this move was so massive that either fans loved or hated them for being too powerful.
Gabrielle Union was one of the fortunate ones aware of all behind-the-scenes actions as she had recently started dating D-Wade in 2009. So, she appreciated the bold move and acknowledged how it changed the landscape of the NBA forever.
Gabrielle Union on the Miami Heat's Big 3
Following their alliance in 2010, James, Wade, and Bosh achieved remarkable success, featuring in four consecutive NBA finals. Union relished every moment of their dominance on the court. Speaking on 'The Old Man & The Three' podcast, emphasized her admiration for these African American athletes asserting control over their careers and the NBA overall.
"As a sports fan: I loved it," Union said . "As a fan of all of these powerful Black men figuring this out on their own and turning the NBA on its f***ing head, I was here for that f***ing flex move."
Furthermore, Union highlighted how the coming together of three of the NBA's best players at the time catalyzed a shift in player mindset, teaching everyone how to use their leverage to attain success. Additionally, she pointed out how the Heat's Big 3 was iconic for not only its on-court success but also for the unparalleled excitement it brought to the league.
"It just changed the NBA," Gabrielle added. "They're living the f***ing life, and they're winning - it made the NBA sexy again. We hadn't had that kind of interest, good or bad, really since Showtime."
For Union, who experienced every emotion while supporting Wade, it felt like the Heat had such incredible moments that it was like living in a Disney movie. That's exactly what drew celebrities worldwide to come to watch the Heat's Big 3 take the court together.
Miami Heat's Big 3 was iconic
Gabrielle rightly pointed out that there had been star-studded teams before the Heat's Big 3, like the Boston Celtics acquiring Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen alongside Paul Pierce. But when you talk about the Heat's Big 3, they were the first super teams actually built by the players rather than the front office.
Their assembling revolutionized player empowerment and justified their fanfare by living up to their hype and winning a pair of championships together.
Related: "What's going on in this frat house?" - Dwyane Wade shares how Gabrielle Union kicked some of his friends out of their house
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