Dwyane Wade’s return to the Miami Heat at the trade deadline was thought of at the time to be a nice way for the veteran shooting guard to bring his career full circle.
Wade came back to the franchise his Hall of Fame career started with – the place he won three championships – which was clearly something he wanted to do, and it also allowed Heat fans to welcome back the beloved star. The future Hall of Famer is a Miami legend and will always be loved, but recently we’ve learned just how integral he is to the Miami sports community and just how loved he remains there.
Following the shooting at Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., it was learned that one of the students, Joaquin Oliver, was buried in his Wade jersey. That news made its way to Wade who was left “speechless” to learn of that and dedicated his season to Oliver, writing Oliver’s name on his sneakers prior to sinking a vintage game-winning shot against the Sixers. Wade has since spoken about how Oliver is the reason he refuses to “shut up and dribble” and will continue to speak out on social and political issues.
On Saturday night, Wade had the chance to meet Oliver’s family for the first time, inviting them to be his guests at Miami’s 105-96 win over the Pistons. Wade stood with Joaquin’s sister during the national anthem, and presented the family with his highly sought after Vice jersey, which Joaquin apparently wanted when it came out, as well as a pair of custom Way of Wade sneakers with Oliver’s name on them and the Stoneman Douglas logo.
Wade had the sneakers custom made by a friend and worked his sources to get the Vice jersey, which is backordered to July right now on the Heat’s website. As he told Ira Winderman of the Sun-Sentinel, he was just happy to finally get to meet with the family, talk to them and try to provide some joy in such a difficult time.
“Just getting an opportunity to finally meet them, I had a few words, what they’re doing, the strength of them,” he said by his locker stall. “It’s a tough time for their family. It’s a tough time for a lot of families in Parkland.
“I’m thankful they came to the game, thankful I got a chance just to talk to them and tell them my appreciation, to let them know we will continue to use our voice, to continue to shine the light on what they’re talking about and what they’re going through and what they’re dealing with. Because it’s not just happening to them, it’s happening to all of us and it could be anyone of us.”
Wade’s connection to the Miami community has never been in question, but this tragedy has only strengthened those ties as he’s been given even more reason to speak out and be a voice for others.
