D-Wade reflects on United Center debut ahead of final game in Chicago
Ahead of the final game in his hometown against the Chicago Bulls, Dwyane Wade reflected on his first game at the United Center in December 2003 - one he nearly skipped due to an injury.
"I wasn’t going to play because I had hurt my wrist," Wade said, according to K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune. "I saw (Michael) Jordan the night before. He’s like, 'I can’t wait to see you play.' And I was like, 'Welp, guess I’m playing.' And then I end up being in a cast for like 2 months."
Wade ended up with 10 points and eight assists in 36 minutes played - a relatively quiet night in what's been an illustrious 16-season career.
The 37-year-old has racked up 12 All-Star appearances, three NBA championships, and a pair of All-NBA first team honors. Wade, a sure bet Hall of Famer, doesn't necessarily think he's the best player Chicago has produced - a list that includes the likes of Anthony Davis and Derrick Rose.
"I have no idea," Wade said, according to Johnson. "When people have asked me who I think the best player who was born and raised in Chicago, I always go with Isiah Thomas."
Wade is averaging 14.0 points on 43.2 percent shooting entering action on Saturday.