And finally, what’s the biggest void that will be left behind, once Wade retires?
Tachauer: It may sound dramatic but realistically, Miami Heat Basketball will never be the same. It will be the end of an era, and that alone will bring about more change than I think any of us really realize at this point. There will no longer be a set face to the franchise; instead, the organization will have to build its identity around a youth movement, headlined by the likes of Bam Adebayo, Josh Richardson and Winslow. And while this is certainly something Heat Nation should be excited about, moving forward, at the same time, Wade’s overall presence will be greatly missed. Because let’s face it, at the end of the day, both his talent and stardom just can’t be replicated or replaced.
Johnson: Miami will be missing its face. For all the excitement around Winslow, Richardson and Adebayo’s growth, the one area they can’t replace is Wade’s sheer recognition. Wade ingratiated himself with both the Miami and global basketball communities, in a way few others have. Even if Miami fields another All-Star in the future, it’s doubtful that he will become the face of the franchise akin to Wade. Wade came at the perfect time. The Heat are only 31-years-old. Before him, Miami had stints with icons like Alonzo Mourning, Tim Hardaway and Rony Seikaly (the first Lebanese player in NBA History). But none managed the enduring relationship, while decimating franchise records and representing Miami at the international level. Mourning came close, and his impact on this team remains deep, but come on; Wade will forever be the benchmark for basketball relevance in Miami.
The dance continues.