Heat preparing warm welcome for Wade's return
Chicago Bulls guard Dwyane Wade (Right) shoots over Miami Heat guard Dion Waiters (11) during the first half at American Airlines Arena, Miami, FL, US on Nov 10, 2016. [Photo/Agencies] |
The Heat put major work into the tribute videos that air when former star players return to Miami for the first time, and Wade's will get the same treatment.
James was very emotional when he saw his tribute and Mario Chalmers - the starting point guard on Miami's 2012 and 2013 title teams - said he was moved by what the Heat did to commemorate his return following a trade to Memphis last year.
"It's going to be very emotional for him, that I can say," Chalmers said.
"With me coming back, I had mixed feelings. The fans welcomed me back, everybody at the arena welcomed me back, but I still had a sour taste in my mouth from how the trade went down. I'm pretty sure D-Wade's going to feel the same way."
Wade is Miami's all-time leader in virtually every major statistical category, so far ahead of everyone else on many of those lists that he's assured of being all over the team record book for years.
His 525th game in Miami comes with great anticipation; on the secondary resale market, a seat in the highest row of the arena is selling for $41 - the same seat for a game last week went for $6.
Wade has stayed in touch with many around the Heat, with the exception of team president Pat Riley.
He has remained extremely close with Udonis Haslem, with whom he shared captaincy in Miami for many years.
Wade is in regular contact with Spoelstra, and continues checking in on some of his former teammates as well.
"There's no bad blood between him and this organization ... none at all," Haslem said.
"He had a great, great career here. He's had so much success - we've had so much success. For whatever reason, the time came where we separated."