Dwyane Wade has a penchant for gravity-defying moves on the basketball court, but off it he is firmly rooted to the ground. The Miami Heat NBA star, with three coveted championship rings and endorsement deals worth millions of dollars that earned him a place in the list of Forbes richest sportspersons, comes across a humble man. Not a surprise, for those who know his past. A rough neighbourhood, separated parents, mother a drug dealer and addict; Wade endured a disturbed childhood before the hoop game turned his life on its head. Since making his NBA debut in 2003 as an unheralded draft pick for the Heat, Wade has experienced a whirlwind career leading his franchisee to three titles (2006, 2012 and 2013). “I am a firm believer in the saying ‘everything happens for a reason’,” Wade said. The 2013 NBA finals against San Antonio Spurs was yet another challenge for Wade’s determination. “I had my left knee drained before the all important Game 7. It was painful, but I was not ready to sit out for the big game. I was telling myself to ‘find a way’ and managed to hold on till the end. I have to give credit to a lot of people; my family, doctors and teammates,” added Wade. The 31-year-old shooting guard is the nucleus of the Miami Heat and has formed an enviable combination with superstar LeBron James and towering centre Chris Bosh. Wade says the ‘Big Three’ share a superb chemistry that they translate into results on-court. “We understand each other well and our personalities match. That’s one of the reasons we managed to win back to back titles. I am blessed to have them not only as my teammates but also as good friends off the court,” said Wade, who led the US to the gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Spending his formative years in Chicago that coincided with Michael Jordan’s celebrated days with the Bulls, Wade idolised the legend like all other youngsters of his age. “When you see someone on posters and TV enjoying cult status and inspiring youngsters, the urge is only natural to emulate the hero. I always wanted to experience what Jordan went through winning the championship,” he added. Wade’s friend LeBron James has often been compared to Jordan for his talent and ability to dominate opponents. According to Wade, it’s unfair to stack up two players from different eras with different styles. “One can never become a Jordan and similarly there can’t be another LeBron. It’s probably annoying to be one of the best players because people tend to compare you with the other,” said Wade. The Heat are gunning for a hat-trick in 2014. Since Los Angeles Lakers’ feat in 2002, no other team have achieved it.
