Chicago Bulls: Dwyane Wade Continues Writing New Chapter
NBA superstar Dwyane Wade may already have quite a legacy to his name, but he is only continuing to write a new chapter as a part of the Chicago Bulls.
Dwyane Wade does not have anything left to prove.
At the age of 34 and after having spent 13 years in the league, the veteran has been a superstar for quite some time now.
As the fifth overall pick in the 2003 NBA draft, Wade has gone on to make the All-Star team 12 times, including having won the NBA Skills Challenge twice in 2006 and 2007 and walking away with the 2010 All-Star Game Most Valuable Player award.
He has three championships under his belt, winning the Finals Most Valuable Player award in 2006. And is the Miami Heat’s all-time leading scorer.
His legacy is set in stone.
Or is it?
This offseason, Wade shocked the league when he announced his decision to leave Miami and come back home to play for the Chicago Bulls. Both fan bases had a lot to say, as Heat Nation was hurt, Chicagoans were skeptical and just about everyone was confused.
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Why would the face of a franchise leave the only team he has ever played for? How could he abandon an organization that built itself around him? And what would his next steps look like?
A lot like 19.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.5 steals a game. For starters.
Yup, 23 games into the season and Wade seems to be doing just fine in his new-old home.
But this new chapter Wade has begun to write, is about so much more than just his on-court performance.
Sure, he has transitioned from being the leader, to one of three leaders, alongside Rajon Rondo and Jimmy Butler. Yes, he is shooting more three-pointers than ever before in his career. However, he has adapted himself beyond being a different type of player.
He has also developed himself as a man.
Wade has always been a pillar of the community. It is no secret that back in South Beach, he did a great deal of charity work, with the team as well as on his own. And now, here in Chicago, he hopes to keep helping out.
Having recently released a short film called “Sounds of Hope,” Wade has his sights set on reaching children who may feel as though the only choice they have is to survive through negative means.
“People ask me why I came back: I’m here to return, what the game has given to me.”
Many people questioned whether or not Wade really joined the Bulls to return to his hometown or simply stick it to Miami. But at this point, it seems irrelevant. Because obviously Wade is ready to do right by the city that raised him. A city that unfortunately, needs all the help it can get as of late.
In August, Wade’s own cousin Nykea Aldridge was shot and killed by two brothers, a victim of senseless gun violence. Only 32, Aldridge was pushing a baby stroller in a park.
My cousin was killed today in Chicago. Another act of senseless gun violence. 4 kids lost their mom for NO REASON. Unreal. #EnoughIsEnough
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) August 27, 2016
While Wade may be making a lot of Bulls fans happy with his productivity on the court, Chicagoans are also admiring his efforts in bringing change to the city.
Wade may not stick around in Chicago forever, nor may be in the league much longer. With Heat Nation hoping he finishes out his career back in Miami, and the average age of retirement in this league coming around the corner, Wade’s future is unclear.
But one thing is for sure: he will never stop building his legacy beyond just the game of basketball.
