Miami Heat legend Dwyane Wade: Then, now and what’s to come

Dwyane Wade is by far the most prolific player to don a Miami Heat jersey.

How do you capture a 15-year NBA career that reaches farther than the edge of the hardwood?

Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade is a father, husband, philanthropist and activist. In addition to three championships and 12 All-Star appearances, Wade has made his name synonymous with more than buzzer-beaters and clutch performances.

From shining a spotlight on his hometown of Chicago, to pressing for social and political change, Wade has built a career around doing a little bit – or a lot – of everything. Most recently, Wade made a surprise appearance at Stoneman Douglas High School following the tragic shooting that took 17 lives.

"“I just wanted to show up and give them something to cheer about, something to be happy about,” said Wade on his drop-in."

Though he affirms that the end of his athletic days is somewhere over the ever-approaching horizon, Wade has given writers, humanitarians and basketball junkies plenty to chew on during his rise as one on the greatest 2-guards to ever play the game.

Currently one of a handful of NBA players signed to a shoe deal with a Chinese company, Wade is even taking his talents international, adding to his already lengthy list of accomplishments.

"“You think you know what you’re signing up for, and you think you know the vision that you have, but looking around, it was like, ‘This can be something special,'” Wade said of his partnership with apparel company Li Ning to ESPN."

That sentiment applies well, not only to his shoe deal but the whole of his career. With that in mind, here’s a look at Dwyane Wade, then, now, and what’s to come.

Then

Part of one of the most top-heavy NBA drafts of all time, Wade joined the Miami Heat as the fifth selection in the 2003 draft. At the time, USA Today projected the third-year guard out of Marquette, to top out around the seventh pick – not far off from where he landed.

Still, the doubt around Wade’s game was apparent. Despite an All-American season, Wade’s size, or lack thereof, was a hindrance to his presumed potential. At six-foot-four he had frame of a point guard but the skill set of a slashing forward.

Undisputed however, was Wade’s undeniable athletic gift, which gave solace to his shortcomings.

That gift, which saw him blow past defender after defender, is best represented by Wade’s rookie year shot chart; of his 926 field goals attempted through the regular season and playoffs, only 61 came from downtown.

Such was the way of Wade at the start of his career. In his first five seasons, Wade never launched more than 80 3’s in the regular season.

Regardless of his shooting from deep, Wade quickly inherited the role of top-dog in Miami. After leading Miami to its first championship in 2006, he remained with the organization, building his reputation on and off the hardwood.

From his rookie shoe deal with Converse to having the league ban his personalized band-aids, Wade’s stardom grew exponentially. By his seventh season, Wade had garnered endorsements from T-Mobile, switched to Jordan Brand and even convinced a pair of All-Star friends in Chris Bosh and LeBron James to join him in Miami.

For the first time in 2010, Wade was no longer the sole face of the Heat organization. Sharing the workload made his raw averages decrease, but didn’t impede his giving nature. Regular reports of his charitable deeds, like donating funds and iPads to the Cabrini-Green reading room in Chicago, continued the alturistic presence that preceded him.

No recollection of Wade’s career is complete however, without acknowledging his departure in 2016. After a pair of championships and the end of a contract, Wade left to play for his hometown Chicago Bulls.

But when you are as inexorably linked to the city of Miami has Wade is, hatred around his departure is the last conceivable emotion.

Usually, the sports world sees billboards thanking players for their dedication and contributions to building a winning team. Or maybe, an un-affiliated city will try and entice a free agent akin to the current hubbub around James.

Bucking the trend however, Wade posted his own billboard, thanking Miami for 13 seasons and its hospitality.

Though a season and a half would pass before “Wade” would appear on the back of a Heat Jersey, the message was clear: Miami would always be Wade’s home.

Now

Miami was slated to play the Milwaukee Bucks on February 9, 2018. A matchup between Eastern Conference playoff hopefuls, the Heat strode into the evening armed with its greatest basketball weapon.

Marking the first game after reacquiring him through a last-minute, trade deadline deal, Wade played a modest 22 minutes in his casting call. He came off the bench and only scored three points, but the AmericanAirlines Arena was overjoyed – after 574 days, the patron saint of Miami basketball returned.

Reintegrating into Miami’s system has been largely successful. Though Wade’s ball dominance is a shift for a Miami team often touted as lacking a superstar, he’s familiar with the majority of the Heat’s youth.

Even at 36-years-old, the respect Wade’s game yields from defenders is a boon to Miami’s young core. Justise Winslow has flourished. Hassan Whiteside was ecstatic, and his impact has been felt team wide. Prior to Wade’s return Miami was 24^th in offensive rating. The Heat jumped to 11^th since.

With a playoff spot all but knotted up – the Heat currently sit 6.5 games ahead of the ninth place Detroit Pistons– a hamstring injury has seen Wade sidelined for over a week.

"“I feel alright. I tweaked my hamstring a little bit, I guess,” Wade said in a postgame interview earlier this month. “Just see how I feel tomorrow and then we’ll go from there on treatment.”"

Head coach Erik Spoelstra assured the organization isn’t being overly cautious with his injury, but Wade’s absence is apparent. Of Miami’s rotation, Wade is the clear leader in playoff minutes. His experience, from game winning shots to controlling the tempo in clutch situations, is key for Miami’s short-term future.

What’s to come

What’s next for a three-time champ, All-NBA talent and future basketball hall of fame inductee? Though Wade has been sparse on his post-NBA career plans, he has a foundation on which to build, literally and figuratively.

When he’s not servicing the South Florida, Chicago and Milwaukee areas with his philanthropy, Wade’s personal ventures include a wine brand, a partnership with Stance socks, and a shoe empire that will long outlive his playing days. His diverse interests make even his crystal ball fog over.

"“I’m 36. How did I even get here? Right now, I’m playing the game and I’m taking it year by year,” Wade told NBA.com following the trade to Miami. He continued, “But I’m here forever. This is Wade County forever. I will always be here. No matter where I go in the world I will be here.”"

Evidenced by the roaring ovation every time he takes the court, a best-case scenario would plant Wade close to home in a player development role, molding Miami’s next basketball generation. Wade’s impact is heralded around the league; even the floundering Bulls spoke highly of his presence after his departure.

By the same token, stealing Wade from the rest of the league, and world, seems like a selfish endeavor.

Next: Miami Heat forward Kelly Olynyk: Then, now and what's to come

Wade is always welcome at home in Miami; no matter where he goes, the key is still under the mat.