One last dance...

[Darko]

With 2018/19 season in NBA were getting closer I was only interested in one thing - will Dwyane Wade sign back with Miami Heat for another year or will he retire? There were lot of trades, free agents signings, LeBron's move to LA Lakers as probably biggest news to everyone. Everyone else actually, as I was still waiting to see what will my favorite player "The Flash" decide. And to my joy, and to joy of the fans of this beautiful game around the world, he announced that he will be back for "One last dance". Wade county will have the privilege of watching their star player, face of the franchise, for one more season.

It was bound to be emotional one. Team is in no place to be a contender, roster strength with great coach Spoelstra signals at best 1st round of playoffs. But still there was a lot of excitement around this year, just because Wade will play. When that 2003 draft arrived everyone were talking about King James and Carmelo Anthony, who will end up as number 1. Cleveland picked LBJ, Detroit for the reasons still unknown to, well everyone, selected young Serbian player Milicic from 2nd position, Carmelo was Denvers pick from 3rd place, Bosh went to Raptors from 4th position and Wade was picked by Miami as 5th pick in one of the greatest drafts in history.

Don't think it was more then 10-15 games into the season and I was already extremely happy with Miami's decision, The Flash was earning that nickname with every game passed, watching top 10 plays from the previous night meant watching at least 1 or 2 plays from him. Management reacted quickly and soon they brought Shaq to help Wade guide the team to first NBA title in history. Everyone expected them to be 1-2 punch, Shaq was supposed to be on the same level as young Marquette product but in 2006 Finals it was all about DWade. He was amazing, numbers he was putting every night, plays he was making... He turned around that Finals almost on his own and won MVP honors for his heroics. Him giving 100% every game took a toll on his knees and in the next several years injuries came to plague him. LBJ and Bosh joined Wade in 2010 and they made 4 straight finals with one of the first super teams that are so popular nowadays, winning 2 of them. He will end career with 3 rings and so many records set in Miami Heat uniform that I am not sure it will be broken any time soon.

His stats tells the story of all round shooting guard, clutch when it matters, great in defense with 1.6 steal and 0.9 blocks per game in career, over 22 points per game. But the emotion and flair he was bringing to every match - that can't be told by simply looking at stats.

You will be missed Flash, it was a pleasure watching you over these 15 years. Thank you for this one last dance, Wade country forever...

[Mikehoncho]

Darko, that was a beautiful post. I don't follow basketball myself, but I can feel your love of the game and this player when I read this. Something about your avatar adds to the last line for me too.

Here is to Mr. Wade. A man who can inspire such passion in someone.🍻