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  After 13 seasons, Wade listens to his heart

After 13 seasons, Wade listens to his heart

AGE CORRESPONDENT
Published : Oct 28, 2016, 11:53 pm IST
Updated : Oct 28, 2016, 11:53 pm IST

Dwyane Wade has been there and done that. He owns three NBA championship rings, all won with Miami Heat. The Finals MVP in 2006 was named in 12 All-Star teams, 10 times as a starter.

Dwyane Wade has been there and done that. He owns three NBA championship rings, all won with Miami Heat. The Finals MVP in 2006 was named in 12 All-Star teams, 10 times as a starter. Unlike many flashy American sports stars, Wade has a friendly air and understated class.

The charming 34-year-old has rolled back the years to become a child again, as he will be playing for his hometown club, Chicago Bulls, for the first time in his career this season. As a child, he supported the Bulls but made his name at Miami after being picked by the franchise in the 2003 draft. He was so good that the Heat kept upping his lucrative contract. Finally, he heeded to his heart to come back to his beloved Chicago.

The presence of Wade has excited the players and the fans of the Bulls alike because it’s difficult to dislike the man. Not only is he a super talent; he also has a pleasant demeanour to put everyone around him at ease. The senior statesman of Chicago Bulls spoke to reporters on the morning of his team’s season opener against Boston Celtics on Thursday.

Although Wade is into his 14th year in the NBA, he has an unmistakable buzz about the opening match of the season. The future Hall of Famer is even more excited as he is about to make his debut for the Bulls. “I watched other teams play and I know it’s the start of the season. It just motivates you,” he said.

Wade has played in pre-season games for Chicago but he feels they are a far cry from the real thing. “I have a lot of my family that didn’t want to see the pre-season. They didn’t want to hear my name called yet, so tonight will be pretty special for me and my family. We all grew up as Chicago Bulls fans,” he said.

The veteran was all ears to the team’s shooting coach during a practice session on Wednesday.

What makes him such a keen student of the game even after 13 years in the rough and tumble of the NBA “You never want to feel like you have all the answers. You might as well go sit down somewhere if you have all the answers. My shooting coach taught me some things that I had never known,” he said.

According to Chicago coach Fred Hoiberg, Wade has been an absolute joy to coach. “He brings a lot to the table. Wade has been great to the young guys. He sets the tone in practice with his voice and his work ethic,” he added.

Does Wade foresee a fairy tale comeback in his hometown like the one enjoyed by LeBron James at Cleveland

“I think everyone’s journey is different. For every player, the ultimate goal is winning the ring. I don’t know how my NBA career would end but dreams do come true in sport. I want to do my best for this city and my best for my team on and off the court. I am excited about the opportunity in front of me — to be a great leader at the Bulls and a great voice in the community of Chicago,” he said.

Location: United States, Illinois, Chicago