Wade: 'Oak has been nothing but amazing' to current players

Charles Oakley hasn't played an NBA game in almost 13 years, yet even today's generation of stars hold the former power forward in high regard.

It's the main reason virtually everyone associated with the league is publicly accepting Oakley's version of Wednesday's events at Madison Square Garden over that of long-maligned Knicks owner James Dolan's.

"You gotta know who you're going to," Chicago Bulls veteran Dwyane Wade told CSN's Vincent Goodwill. "You're not gonna walk up on Oak like that ... but to paint him as this person who needs help? You ask every player in this league, every young guy in this league, Oak has been nothing but amazing to us ... Is he a certain way, a certain mentality? Yes. You gotta know that when you're dealing with him."

Wade also voiced his support for the 53-year-old on Instagram.

During his career, Oakley was a type of player that doesn't really exist in the NBA anymore - a tough, often-abrasive presence who didn't take kindly to opponents driving at his basket.

Wade recounted his experience with that as well, reflecting on working out with Oakley before his rookie season in 2003.

"Everybody was like, 'Oak is in here today, you shoot jumpers'. I'm like, man (screw) that," Wade said. "First time I get the ball, I go to the basket."

The then-youngster got off with a warning.

"Oak picked me up," Wade said. "I jumped in the air to finish and he grabbed me out the air and said, 'don't come in here. Respect.'"

Even after his playing days, Oakley has been known to engage in feuds, most notably with Dolan and Charles Barkley. But he's also quietly supported his NBA brethren, such as helping fellow '90s-era power forward Jayson Williams in his battle with addiction.

"He's been very vocal about players who couldn't play in his era," Wade said.
"He's been very vocal about that, About the game being softer. But he's been a supporter of players."