"Didn't play 05' D-Wade" - Joe Budden argues Jeff Teague's  take on picking prime James Harden over Dwyane Wade 

Former NBA player Jeff Teague picking James Harden over Dwyane Wade is something several fans opposed. Broadcaster Joe Budden was the latest to raise an issue with Teague's opinion. The retired rapper made compelling arguments during an appearance on the former Bucks player's podcast, "Club 520," on Saturday.

Teague explained that he was comparing his time in the league playing against prime Harden vs. the "Heatles" version of Wade with LeBron James and Chris Bosh.

However, Budden didn't consider that a valid case, suggesting Teague never went up against the pre-'Heatles' version of Wade.

"Why you telling me about D-Wade on the Heatles?" Budden said. "Why he skipping a whole career ... He didn't play 05' D-Wade."

Teague said Wade was 'cold' and he wasn't being disrespectful, but Wade's best season was a 30-points-per-game season, while Harden had a 36 ppg season and led the league in assists. Budden argued that point, citing the 3-point exposition that favored Harden's era.

"The leagues that you're talking about are two different leagues," Budden said. "Pre-Steph [Curry], nobody looked at 3s like that."

Jeff Teague added that Dwyane Wade never looked to shoot 3s before or after the 3-point explosion.

It was never Wade's strongest suit. However, during his time as the No. 1 option on the Heat before the 'Heatles' era, Wade was a skilled scorer and more efficient than James Harden, shooting close to 50% from the floor at his peak. He finished his career with a 48.0% field goal efficiency. Wade shot a measly 29.3% from 3 but only on 1.8 attempts.

Meanwhile, Harden is a career 44.1% shooter, including 36.4% from 3 on 7.5 attempts a game.

---

Why Dwyane Wade vs. James Harden debate is complicated

Dwyane Wade and James Harden are inarguably among the top five shooting guards.

However, their ordering in that top five is where the debates spark. The back-and-forth to put one above the other becomes complicated because Wade is a three-time NBA champion and a perennial All-Star at his peak, while Harden has never won a ring but has an MVP to his name.

Harden was also the tougher cover to guard for most players than Wade for a sustained period. He had the better handles, a 3-point shot, and a better playmaking ability.

On the other hand, Dwyane Wade topples James Harden as a better defensive presence who was efficient against the opposition's best perimeter players. The two also peaked in different eras, ultimately making it tricky to compare their impact on the game with their skill sets.