Photo Credit: Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images
Dwyane Wade gave basketball fans some news that many knew would come soon last night (Sept. 16) when he emotionally announced his retirement via his YouTube Channel.
He opened his 10-minute video, titled “One Last Dance,” saying, “When you first come in the league the vets tell you, ‘Young fella, it’s gonna go by fast.’ You think at that time, ‘Nah, I’m just getting started.’ As I stand here today, September 16th at roughly 1:15 pm, I’m here to tell you, it goes by fast.”
As the video continues, Wade explains that he took the summer to make his final decision. With teary eyes, he talks about his journey playing basketball in high school until now, where he sits as a 12-time NBA All-Star.
He thanks his fans and then breaks down while speaking about the impact the death of his agent, Hank Thomas, had on him.
“When I lost Hank, I lost a part of me. I lost a part in the joy of the game of basketball”, an emotional Wade says.
Wade’s video message comes to a close as he tells fans, “I feel it’s right to ask you guys to join me for one last dance. For one last season. This is it. I’ve given this game everything that I have and I’m happy about that. And I’m gonna give it, for one last season, everything else I have left.”
Fans from all around the nation commented on the video, explaining how grateful they were and supportive they would be for his upcoming 16th season.
Watch his farewell message below.
By: Nicole Conillas