He didn't see much action, but Miami Heat legend Dwyane Wade made the most of the 13th - and final - All-Star appearance of his distinguished career in Charlotte on Sunday night.
The 37-year-old, who has announced he'll retire at the end of the season, finished with seven points and four assists - including a lob to friend and former teammate LeBron James - in 10 minutes of playing time.
In the end, however, Wade's stats paled in comparison to the overall experience.
"This one was special," Wade said after the game, according to ESPN's Nick Friedell. "I'm just thankful for the NBA for making sure and accommodating one of the things that I didn't even think I needed or wanted. My team did an amazing job, my family. I couldn't ask for anything more of this weekend. It definitely was my most enjoyable. People like to ask, and this one will take the place now as my most memorable and most enjoyable All-Star."
Wade and longtime Dallas Mavericks foil Dirk Nowitzki were surprise late additions to the All-Star player pool. After neither was selected as a starter or reserve, NBA commissioner Adam Silver named both future Hall of Famers to the All-Star Game in recognition of their contributions to the league.
"I had some cool moments," Wade said of the weekend. "I got the moments I wanted. I feel like the whole weekend has been that way. You visualize something and you hope it goes that way. It definitely has. It went way beyond the moments that I visualized, and that's all I needed."
