Perhaps the most surprising transaction this summer was Dwyane Wade’s departure from Miami. The career-long member of the Heat decided to go to his hometown of Chicago to join the Bulls.
On Friday, Wade was finally introduced as a member of the Bulls. Besides speaking about the dream of playing for his hometown team, Wade had plenty of interesting things to say.
Wade spoke about the recruitment process, most notably talking about the Heat’s pursuit of their franchise player.
Wade says he dealt with Micky and Nick Arison during Heat recruitment. Riley didn’t call or text.
— Sean Highkin (@highkin) July 29, 2016
That’s seemingly an indictment of Heat president Pat Riley who has said he regrets not working harder to keep Wade. However, Wade did clarify that he has no resentment for how Riley handled the situation and that his decision had nothing to do with Riley’s lack of communication:
Wade: "I have no rift with Pat Riley. I have nothing but respect for what he's done in this game ."
— Sam Smith (@SamSmithHoops) July 29, 2016
Wade: "It was my decision to be selfish and live out a dream of mine "
— Sam Smith (@SamSmithHoops) July 29, 2016
Wade: "I want to build this organization back up to where it should be. I went where my heart was telling me to go."
— Sam Smith (@SamSmithHoops) July 29, 2016
Wade: “This was a decision solely for me. It has nothing to do with Pat Riley or Micky Arison."
— Sean Highkin (@highkin) July 29, 2016
Wade also spoke about the nature of the roster that the Bulls have put together. Joining Wade as a newcomer is Rajon Rondo. However, Wade reiterated that despite the infusion of strong personalities, the Bulls are still Jimmy Butler’s team:
Wade: “We’re not going to go through this all year. It’s Jimmy Butler’s team. Myself and Rondo are here to bring what we bring."
— Sean Highkin (@highkin) July 29, 2016
Wade said he wouldn’t have come here if Jimmy Butler hadn’t called him during the recruiting process and told him he wanted him.
— Sean Highkin (@highkin) July 29, 2016
Wade said team has three leaders, three strong personalities.
— Sam Smith (@SamSmithHoops) July 29, 2016
Wade dropped a #ThreeAlphas. It’s officially a thing.
— Sean Highkin (@highkin) July 29, 2016
Beyond that, Wade admitted that the Bulls will not be a three-point shooting team as a result of their personnel. Nevertheless, he expressed excitement in playing next to Rondo, a non-shooter but offensive initiator:
Wade on Rondo: “I want to play w a guy that averaged 12 assists a game. I want to play w a guy that wants to give his teammates the ball"
— Sean Highkin (@highkin) July 29, 2016
All in all, it was an interesting presser for the newest Chicago Bull. Dwyane Wade did his part to calm the scrutiny and intrigue around the team, especially regarding its hierarchy. But he added plenty more questions about Pat Riley and the Heat whose tactics in free agency may scare some potential targets away in the future.
