How did you feel watching him play on Friday night, against the Milwaukee Bucks?
Tachauer: All I could focus on was that he was back. I didn’t care how well he would do. I didn’t even care if we’d win. It felt amazing to see him standing in the AmericanAirlines Arena, even more so in a Vice jersey. I’d be lying if I said more tears weren’t shed. And that block at the end of the game? My goodness. The perfect way to end the evening.
Gewirtz: Watching Wade play Friday against the Bucks felt complete. After the Heat dropped five straight games, it was great to see him lead the huddle and get the team pumped up before the game. I think his return and the excitement of it all will fuel this team to reach their ceiling in the second half of the season.
Eyrich: I actually was calling a college basketball game and had to miss the beginning of the R3TURN. As soon as my game was over I pulled up league pass on my phone, saw No. 3 on the court and it felt how it should, normal. Just as it should be, seeing Wade back in Miami canceled out how awkward the last 1.5 years have been. I think Wade brings back more than just stats or veteran status, he brings this team’s identity. It could be the push the Heat need at this point in the season.
Mora: It was amazing. When his name was called and he entered the game, just hearing the cheers and the immediate standing ovation for his entrance was something beyond incredible. It felt great seeing him lead the floor and even though he didn’t post a great stat line, his presence was felt as a leader on and off the court. That is something Miami missed and will definitely need moving forward. His block at the end was also amazing. The closer we needed is back and hopefully is a great sign of more wins to come. Miami now has a chance to compete and hopefully, we can still see vintage Wade tear it up from time to time.
Slater: I was expecting it to feel weird, but it felt like nothing had ever changed. Even from the first possession where he nearly hit Hassan Whiteside with a lob, you could sense that the chemistry was already there. As for how he played, it was great to see Wade filling the role of veteran leader and facilitator, as opposed to primary ballhandler and scorer. To me, key plays like the assists and the late block, were far more indicative of where I believe Wade will most help the Heat moving forward. Many likened his current role with the team to the one that Manu Ginobili plays with the San Antonio Spurs. If Wade can continue to give the Heat quality minutes and lead them in crunch time, then his second act in Miami will be incredibly valuable.
Next: Miami Heat's Wayne Ellington: Then, now and what's to come
He’s back baby.