Chicago Bulls: Dwyane Wade Seeks Change Outside Basketball

Chicago Bulls star Dwyane Wade hopes to not only bring change to the city via his work on the basketball court, but in the community as well.

There is no doubt about it: the Chicago Bulls bringing aboard Dwyane Wade this season is going to lead to some major changes within the basketball organization.

In fact, it already has.

For example, Chicago has been unsuccessful year after year in luring in a big name through either free agency or a trade. Although they hit the jackpot in 2008 by drafting Derrick Rose, there has been a definite dry spell since.

Like in 2010, when they were unable to sign LeBron James (or Wade for that matter). And in 2014, when they simply could not close the deal with Carmelo Anthony.

But now that has all changed.

And just wait until the season begins.

Wade, having turned 34 years old in January, averaged 19.0 points, 4.1 rebounds and 4.6 assists last season, on 30.5 minutes of play.

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And although some may stop to point out that these are his worst numbers to date, it is more important to note that he has not played so many games (74 to be exact), since 2010-11.

So barring injury, it is safe to say that the Bulls will see a much-needed boost in performance.

However, Wade is looking to do more in Chicago than just win basketball games. He is seeking change in the city as a whole.

Having just recently lost his cousin to gun violence on the south side, Wade took time to speak out on not only his family’s tragedy, but the overall rise in Chicago crime.

Nykea Aldridge, a 32-year-old mother of four, was pushing her newborn baby in a stroller when she was shot to death. The bullet, of course, was not intended for her. And since then, two brothers were charged with first-degree murder and attempted murder.

"“It was kind of one of those moments for our family, it’s like ‘this is not real.’ My cousin Nykea, she was, I want to say, she was like the quiet one. She would just be there. She would be about her kids. It was shocking to hear not only that she was murdered, but it was shocking to hear the way and how.”"

But unfortunately Wade is no stranger to this kind of violence.

"“I grew up in one of the, probably one of the toughest eras when it comes to murders in the early ’90s in Chicago. I grew up in that era of the same things that our kids are going through now of being afraid to go outside."

And although his cousin’s murder obviously brings the issue close to home, the 13-year NBA veteran already had big plans to try and bring change to these communities. In fact, just one day before Aldridge’s murder, Wade took part in an ESPN-sponsored forum on violence at the South Side YMCA.

So for him, this homecoming means more than just playing for the Bulls.

"“I think my purpose at the end of the day is hopefully to come to Chicago and be a part and be the voice that can help bring people together.”"

During his interview, Wade also touched upon some potential solutions to the city’s growing crime-rate. For example, updating Chicago’s gun laws:

"“[The Chicago Police] are fighting a war. 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.”"

He also spoke on the issue of repeat offenders.

"“Guys go to prison and then we let them back out on the street, they’re going to go back to what they’re used to and what they know. So if there’s something we can do with the prison that can help with work programs when people come out, it gives them an opportunity to try to help themselves.”"

While Chicagoans may be excited to see Wade on the court at the United Center this year, they should also take pride in the fact that they have a new voice speaking up for their city.

must read: Dwyane Wade: The Bemoaned Homecoming King

Despite the star having no political ties, he is surely bound to make an impact in Chicago by using his fame to do good. The Bulls have not only gained an offensive powerhouse, but a voice for change as well.