Dwyane Wade is – and always will be – the face of the Miami Heat
It’s official. Flash is forever etched in the history books.
D-Wade’s jersey is officially retired ✊ #L3GACY
(via @FOXSportsHEAT & @NBATV) pic.twitter.com/5RTn4GctQP
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) February 23, 2020
Dwyane Wade, the most decorated player in Miami Heat franchise history, enjoyed the fruits of his labor on Saturday night.
It’s a #HEATCulture thing. pic.twitter.com/8ge4RnceAN
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) February 23, 2020
It’s hard to argue against the notion that Wade is the greatest player in Heat history.
?? @DwyaneWade will always be a @MiamiHEAT legend #L3GACY pic.twitter.com/R4JI1VJp13
— The Association on FOX (@TheAssociation) February 23, 2020
That’s quite the franchise resume, but it gets longer.
?? @DwyaneWade had himself an incredible career pic.twitter.com/iau8OiO8mx
— The Association on FOX (@TheAssociation) February 22, 2020
Wade became the fifth Heat player to have his jersey retired, along with Alonzo Mourning (33), Tim Hardaway (10), Shaquille O’Neal (32) and Chris Bosh (1).
Those are some impressive names, specifically O’Neal. And although Shaq was key in leading Miami to its first-ever NBA championship in 2006, he only spent four seasons in South Beach.
?⚡️ Wade County forever #L3GACY pic.twitter.com/1PnDc4dfJN
— The Association on FOX (@TheAssociation) February 23, 2020
Wade spent over 14 years in Miami, mixed in with brief stints in Cleveland and Chicago.
Family ❤️ pic.twitter.com/2bkATZKKkI
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) February 23, 2020
Speaking of Cleveland, their greatest superstar followed in Shaq’s footsteps and stopped off in Miami for four seasons.
“I think it was inevitable.”@KingJames congratulates @DwyaneWade on his jersey retirement ? pic.twitter.com/j0jjCmhPrV
— ESPN (@espn) February 22, 2020
It’s hard to imagine LeBron James playing for a franchise in his prime and not being regarded as that franchise’s best player.
And when you look at this accomplishments in Miami, things get tricky.
In just four seasons as a member of the Heat, LeBron won two NBA titles, two NBA Finals MVPs, two regular season MVPs, was named First-Team All-NBA four times, was named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team three times, and helped lead the Heat to four consecutive NBA Finals appearances.
Miami-LeBron has an argument for greatest player of all-time. That’s the LeBron that you put up against Michael Jordan.
But…Miami-LeBron ain’t Flash.
The No. 3 will hang forever. ⚡️
Congratulations on a #L3GENDARY career, @dwyanewade! pic.twitter.com/GIAke3IS4u
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) February 23, 2020
Although James brought titles to South Beach, his time in Miami was just a pit stop. He spent a few years with his pal in Wade and went back home to Cleveland, where he rightfully belonged.
Actually, James landing Miami is actually a notch on Wade’s belt. Flash was able to recruit the best player in the game away from his hometown team and convince him to win titles for another franchise.
Someone add “recruiter extraordinaire” to Wade’s list of accomplishments.
On Saturday night, Flash spoke to the crowd at American Airlines Arena, reflecting on his journey, and quoting another of the game’s greats.
“In the words of my friend, the late Kobe Bryant – ‘the most important thing is to try and inspire others so they can be great at whatever they want to do.’ I hope I have inspired you. “@DwyaneWade thanks Heat Nation #L3GACY
(via @NBA)pic.twitter.com/lxoqRcXRYP
— The Association on FOX (@TheAssociation) February 23, 2020
And he did it in style.
?? @DwyaneWade‘s kicks tonight (via @NBAKicks) #L3GACY pic.twitter.com/eUQXViIHH6
— The Association on FOX (@TheAssociation) February 23, 2020
Congratulations to Wade, the forever face of the Miami Heat.
?? So many memorable moments from @DwyaneWade.
Which one is your favorite? #L3GACY pic.twitter.com/nZgHZSnSyQ
— The Association on FOX (@TheAssociation) February 23, 2020
