I think Wade is underrated not overrated.
Here's my argument:
-Peaks early in 06. One of the greatest guard seasons ever. no argument from me he was a beast.
-07 he falls back Earth. Gets hurt (big theme), then gets outplayed by Ben Gordon and gets swept in the 1st round as defending champ
-08 Heat win 15 games. Wade plays in 51. Doesnt play at all down the stretch but they were tanking even with him in there.
-09 bounceback. Avgs 30 iirc but the 5th seed Heat go out in the 1st round again.
-10. Same thing with slighly less impact. 5th seed, 1st round exit.
-11. Career is revived with arrival of LeBron. Has a great Final despite the loss.
-12-13. Plays great as the 2nd to Lebron. Back to back titles.
-14. Gets load managed all season specifically for playoffs only to lay an egg in the Final. If he plays at his career median Heat complete the dynasty.
-15 onward not really an impact player ever again. 15/16 gets high usage but the Heat arent scaring anyone. Couple of meh stints for the Bulls and Cavs before taking his victory lap back in Miami.
Peaked early then tailed off.
In the weak East in the midst of his prime couldnt elevate his team beyond 1st round cannon fodder.
Prime Wade and Paul Pierce were the same level of player during this time.
Perrenial All Stars but number 2 on true contenders.
People forget the Heat were not a title threat at any point 07-2010.
Which is why history reflects differently on the Big 3 Celtics/Heatles as opposed to the Durant/Curry Ws.
Late prime is elevated by its proximity to Lebron. Imagine that Heat team 11-14 if he was the lead guy.
1st ballot HOF.
Deserves a statue down in Miami for sure but also should be at least 5-7 spots lower on a lot of all time rankings that I see.