"Come off the bench, shoot it anytime I want" - Dwyane Wade on why he would love to have a Jordan Clarkson-type role in today's NBA

Many top players reflect on how their careers might have been even greater had they played in different eras. But rather than imagining himself as a star in another time, Dwyane Wade offered a different perspective, saying he would have preferred a role like Jordan Clarkson’s—coming off the bench, playing fewer minutes, but still thriving as a potent scorer.

Why would Wade want a Clarkson-type role?

Throughout his prime years, D-Wade shouldered the responsibility and pressure of bringing success to his franchise. As a result, he averaged 34.7 minutes per game during his time with the Miami Heat and was always under pressure to perform, especially when the lights were brightest.

This, coupled with his high-intensity playstyle, took a toll on D-Wade's body. Throughout his career, he endured a plethora of injuries—hips, feet, ankles, elbows, shoulders, wrists, and knees—all of which hindered his ability to stay on the court.

That's why, when reflecting on his hypothetical role in today’s NBA, Wade said he would choose not to be a superstar but an efficient sixth man.

"If I could come back, in the NBA, I want to be Jordan Clarkson, " Wade said on Inside the NBA. " I don't want to be a superstar because I want to keep my knees good and all that. I want to be Jordan Clarkson: come off the bench, shoot it anytime I want, ultra-green light, dress fly as hell, just go home after and chill."

Related: "If Bron doesn't win it, then nobody says anything" - Austin Reaves asserts Lakers didn't win a "Mickey Mouse ring"

Was it worth it?

Admittedly, had the 2006 Finals MVP operated in a Sixth Man of the Year role, he likely would never have achieved the fame he did, let alone earned a career salary of $196 million.

That said, Clarkson, who has never experienced the pressure to lead his team to a championship as Wade did, has earned $161 million in his decade-long career. So, while playing a sixth-man role would deprive Wade of his superstar status, it could also spare him from injuries while potentially earning even more money in today's NBA landscape.

Based on his comments, the legendary guard realized there was more to life than excelling on the basketball court. Being an NBA superstar can significantly affect an individual's body, potentially jeopardizing their long-term physical health. And while D-Wade is now looked at as an NBA legend, he's not sure it was worth it.

Related: "I remember he be running down 'I built this place'" - Wade recalled playing in the first game against the Lakers after Shaq was traded