NBA: Seeing Wade in other uniforms ‘will never seem right,’ coach Spoelstra says
Miami Heat’s Erik Spoelstra and Dwyane Wade (3) watch against the San Antonio Spurs during the second half of Game 4 of the NBA Finals basketball series, Thursday, June 13, 2013, in San Antonio. AP/David J. Phillip
For NBA fans, Dwyane Wade has seemingly embodied what the Miami Heat franchise is all about.
Now playing for his third team since leaving South Beach at the start of the 2016-2017 NBA season, fans are still trying to get used to seeing the 35-year-old guard donning different colors.
Among those still having a hard time grasping the idea is Wade’s former coach Erik Spoelstra, who admitted the “weirdness” to Ira Winderman of the Sun-Sentinel.
“This is like the twilight zone,” the Filipino-American bench boss said.
“It will never seem right. For me, I hate it. But I’m happy for Dwyane. I’m happy for his family. I think he’s in a good spot. I think the role that he’s in is going to be one of the most impactful roles in the league.”
After eight seasons together—which resulted in two NBA championships—Wade and Spoelstra parted ways last season, after the latter’s desire to play for his hometown with the Chicago Bulls.
His homecoming didn’t last long, as he decided to jump ship once more to join his “Banana boat” buddy LeBron James with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Still, “Coach Spo” holds Wade in high regard, and continues to use him as an example for his current Heat players.
“I’ll be telling stories about Dwyane 20 years from now to young players on what it really means to do whatever’s necessary to win,” he said.
“When you put together a Hall of Fame team, he’ll sacrifice and be willing to not be the leading scorer to allow somebody else to be an MVP, sacrifice minutes. And then to sacrifice coming off the bench like he’s doing this year.”
He added: “I think he’s done that so many times. It’s such a great lesson for young players in this league, that winning is the most important thing.” Khristian Ibarrola
RELATED STORIES:
Referee says ‘air punch, vulgar language’ led to LeBron’s first career ejection
NBA: Sidelined Chris Bosh wants to ‘keep options open as a player’
