Well. It wasn’t a dream then. I remember when I started getting into basketball as a kid in the UK. Back then there wasn’t much coverage of NBA Basketball but I managed to get hooked nevertheless. Lucky for me, at that time YouTube became a thing so I was able to get my basketball fix. Same as how Kristaps Porzingis watched WorldStar videos to get acclimated to American culture.
So it came to the point where I wanted a team to support. Now i gave myself a criteria of two things. The team has to be good, not the best, but good. And the team had to have a talisman of sorts, a standout player. Now this was around the time when Boston and the Lakers were battling for supremacy in the late 00’s. So with that said it was clear. The Miami Heat were going to be my team and Dwyane Wade would be my favourite player.
Now I know what you’re saying, “No way you chose the Heat a year or two before the Big 3 era”. Sorry, that was pure coincidence. I’d like to say I thoroughly enjoyed that era by the way.
But then came the past two offseasons and it was clear that loyalty was beginning to be overlapped by business. Dwyane Wade wanted his money. Most of us had the same thoughts, “He’s just holding the Heat hostage, he’ll come back.” I was sweating a little last season and i was sweating a lot this season. And at the climax it happened. Last night, Dwyane Wade is joining the Chicago Bulls.
It was a game of bluff and the Heat organisation called it. That’s just business I guess, the Heat didn’t want to do a Lakers and pay their ride or die superstar for all their years of service. And that’s fine. In the long run the Heat will be better off. But it still stings.
Wade recently penned a letter to all of HeatNation and the city of Miami, paying thanks for all the years of support.
Dear Miami,
This has been an extremely emotional and tough decision to come to. After 13 years, I have decided to embark on a new journey with the Chicago Bulls. This was not an easy decision, but I feel I have made the right choice for myself and my family.
I started my NBA career with the Miami Heat in 2003 and it has been an honor to have played with them and help build a winning franchise with three NBA championships. I look back with pride and amazement at all we have accomplished together. I want to express my gratitude to the Arison family, Pat Riley, Coach Erik Spoelstra, the coaching staff, and the entire Miami Heat organization.
From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank the Miami community and especially #HEATNATION for all of their love and support over the years. It has been truly incredible. I am deeply moved and appreciative of the positive messages from my fans expressing that they want what’s best for me and I know they will support my decision. The memories including championship parades and five conference titles are incredible moments we have shared that will always remain close to my heart as I begin the next chapter of my life.
Growing up in Robbins, Ill., I never dreamed that an NBA career could have even been possible and that one day I would wear a Chicago Bulls jersey. Watching the Bulls growing up inspired me at an early age to pursue my dream of becoming a basketball player. My most treasured memories were watching my dad play basketball on the courts of Fermi Elementary School and developing my game at the Blue Island Recreation Center. I have never forgotten where I came from and I am thankful to have an opportunity to play for the team that first fueled my love of the game. Many of my family members still live in Chicago and I am excited to return home to a city very close to my heart.
I look forward to returning to my roots and to what lies ahead.
Much Love and Respect,
D. Wade
Thank you Dwyane Wade, I hope you still get buckets and when you come back to Miami I’m sure the fans will give you a much deserved standing ovation.
