This summer’s homecoming in NBA free agency was Dwyane Wade, signing with the Chicago Bulls and having the chance to play in his home city. Wade gives the Bulls more ammo in an effort to return to the postseason, but returning to Chicago has more meaning to Wade than just creating success on the basketball court.
In an interview with George Stephanopoulos of Good Morning America, Wade talked about the recent killing of his cousin in Chicago, and how being back in the city calls him to a bigger purpose than basketball (around 6:55):
My purpose for being back in the city is bigger than basketball. Basketball is a big part of it, of course; it’s what I do for a living,” said Wade, who signed last month with the Bulls. “But I think my purpose at the end of the day hopefully is to come to Chicago and be a part, be a voice that can help bring people together…
“Now I’m back in the city of Chicago — I’m back for a reason,” Wade said. “I played 13 years in Miami. Now I’m back in the city, let me see what I can do as one person to help lend my voice and help shed light on the tragedy that’s going on and find a solution to start the process of making change.
“They are fighting a war,” Wade said of Chicago police. “And they can do a lot better, but they can get more help, as well, to do better. There’s other cities that have way tougher gun laws. We have weak gun laws.”
It’s of great significance that Wade is getting to play for his home city at a time when Chicago is suffering with these issues. For Wade to have lost members of his own family as of late has certainly hit close to home.
Wade has the ability to help the Bulls, but he’s embracing his opportunity to impact the city of Chicago even more. After establishing himself as one of the great shooting guards of all time, a champion, and a future Hall of Famer, Wade is automatically one of the top current sports figures in Chicago. His continued impact on his own community can possibly become even more prevalent, just as he was consistently active while in Miami.
It sounds like Wade isn’t taking for granted the timing of his return to Chicago, and he’ll want to make his presence felt in demonstrative ways both on and off the court.
