Dwyane Wade: Backyard Dream Comes To Life In Joining Bulls
(CBS) In his first on-air remarks since agreeing to a two-year deal with the Bulls on Wednesday evening, shooting guard Dwyane Wade called it his dream to play for his hometown of Chicago.
"It's been surreal," Wade told Kelly Ripa during an appearance on ABC's "Live With Kelly" on Thursday morning. "I'm still numb.
"I've been in Miami 13 years, 13 incredible years ... you get a week to decide what you're going to do. I got like no sleep, you know. I lost probably five to 10 pounds just not being able to eat.
"I just want to thank all my fans, we call it Heat nation, just around the world, by the way they embraced me. This little shy kid from Chicago, came from Milwaukee (at Marquette in college) to Miami and really grew up. We did some special things together. I didn't do it by myself. I've had so many unbelievable teammates along the way.
"I'm excited to go back to the place I always envisioned playing basketball. Being a kid growing up, Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls were the team for us. I've envisioned myself, being in the backyard always having a Bulls jersey on, always envisioning Dwyane Wade's name being called in the United Center. I get an opportunity to live that dream out."
Wade agreed to join the Bulls after negotiations broke down with the Heat, as the sides had some hard feelings and also some salary cap hurdles that couldn't be cleared.
Wade averaged 19.0 points last season on nearly 46 percent shooting. He'll slot in as Chicago's starting shooting guard.