From Bosh:
"They just say it because they can say it, because it's a word, the loyalty that you have shown and exercised for 13 years here. You said, like somebody's going to fill in the shoes, walk behind . . . it's never going to be done. They're too big. Nobody can ever walk behind you. I've admired you. I've always admired you. You've been not only a friend to me but a role model. Chicago has gained just an incredible person. I'm jealous of that. There'll never be one again. Cheers."
Udonis Haslem, the Heat's other captain last season along with Wade and Bosh, offered his own toast, addressing Wade now getting the opportunity to play in his hometown of Chicago, after Haslem has spent all 13 years of his NBA career in his native South Florida.
"You started in Chicago," Haslem toasted, "and you've been all around the world and you've gained so much exposure, so much success, and then you end back in Chicago. And I think there's a reason for that. I've played my whole career in my hometown my whole life, so I know what an incredible experience it can be. So I actually, as a friend, I would love him to experience that."
Haslem joked about how he had to share the South Florida limelight with Wade these past 13 seasons, with both joining the Heat in 2003-04. He said that, too, was a pleasure.
"I was like, that's my boy, that's Wade County," Haslem said. "We were able to divide it. I was like, all right, you take downtown."
Social-media posts showed several Wade teammates in attendance at the gathering, including power forward Josh McRoberts (
), as well as family and friends. Earlier Saturday, Wade hosted a bicycle ride through Coconut Grove to promote community unity, with Haslem riding alongside.
"It was cool. I enjoyed it," Haslem said. "Obviously it was for a great cause. I'm not much of a rider. But I enjoyed the experience. I enjoyed the exercise part of it, something I might get into in the future."
The Heat and Bulls open training camp Sept. 27, with Wade's lone return visit to AmericanAirlines Arena this season on Nov. 10.
How come I wasn't invited?
@HiphopRelated did you get an invite?