Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade has taken to the AmericanAirlines Arena court for the last time. Here is an open letter thanking the superstar for everything he’s done.
Dear Dwyane Wade,
As we were all reminded of Tuesday night, they say every story has three parts.
So it’s ironic that just as this season was the final act in your 16-year NBA career, this is my third letter to you.
I first took pen to paper when you announced you were joining the Chicago Bulls in July 2016, in an effort to wrap my mind around your decision. I told you that despite my disappointment, I would always support you, and never forget everything you’ve brought both the organization and the city.
Then in February 2018, news broke that you had been traded back to the Miami Heat, and I once more found myself addressing you; this time expressing just how much your return meant to me, and how I couldn’t wait to see you back in that white, red and black uniform.
It’s now April 9, 2019, and I’m here to speak my mind again.
You have just played your last ever game in the AmericanAirlines Arena, and I’m crying so hard that it’s difficult to see through my contacts.
I’m nostalgic for the beginning of your campaign, when there was nothing but time ahead, and I’m heartbroken that even with an incredible win tonight, the team wasn’t able to clinch a playoff berth.
I feel ashamed that I ever felt animosity towards the Big 3, and I feel guilty for not following you more closely during your brief sabbatical.
I hate that I missed even a single Heat contest this year, and even more so that I only saw two live.
I’ll never forgive myself for not getting down to South Florida during your run, and for not focusing more of my professional efforts on you.
Yet, Tuesday night was pure magic, the least of which was due to the 122-99 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers.
From the pregame tributes, to the in-game shoutouts, to the postgame interviews… there was no absence of love or appreciation.
And your son announcing your name over the PA couldn’t have been more fitting, especially coupled with the fact that he sat on the bench alongside your teammates all night.
You joined the starting five, finishing with 30 points (including four 3-pointers) in 35 minutes.
You got to share the spotlight with Udonis Haslem, a guy who has steadily morphed from a best friend into more of a brother figure in your life.
Chris Bosh was sitting courtside, with his freshly retired jersey hanging high in the rafters above.
And the entirety of your squad had varying versions of your own No. 3 in hand, ready to pull off the largest jersey swap of the season.
As much as I hate to say goodbye, I couldn’t have imagined a more perfect sendoff.
Which is exactly what you deserve.
Dwyane, it’s been over a decade since you captured my attention and ultimately my heart, and it’s safe to say I’ll never have the same adoration for another player again.
(Yes, even though I grew up a Michael Jordan fan and later wanted to name my first-born Melo.)
From the way you carry yourself on that hardwood, to the man you are off the court, I am truly in awe of everything you stand for.
I am grateful for what you’ve shaped the franchise into, and for the mark you left on me.
So even though I wish you’d stick around for just a little longer, and despite not being ready to let you go, I really am excited to see what your next chapter holds.
But first, I will savor your final moments against the Brooklyn Nets Wednesday night.
Game 82.
The beginning of the end.
Missing you already,
Allana