Dwyane Wade left the Miami Heat for the Chicago Bulls in July under less-than-warm circumstances, but that didn’t stop the franchise from playing a video tribute when he first returned.
Or from keeping his old locker vacant, presumably as some form of honor for all he did and gave to the organization.
Until now.
The Heat have finally re-assigned Wade’s locker. It’s new owner, per Ira Winderman of the Sun Sentinel? Okaro White:
The Dwyane Wade locker has been filled for the first time since his departure — by Okaro White.
— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) January 17, 2017
This is most definitely hysterical. The Heat signed White to a 10-day contract on Tuesday. It’s fitting that he be the one to take over the locker that belonged to the best player in franchise history—on Wade’s 35th birthday no less.
This actually makes you wonder whether Wade’s locker remained empty on purpose. Like, if the Heat were eventually going to fill it, why not offer it to someone who factors into the big picture? How about Justise Winslow? Or Hassan Whiteside? Or Goran Dra—ah, never mind.
Truth told, the re-assignment of Wade’s cubby is whatever. He has been gone for six months. He and the Heat had 13 years together. It’s time to move on.
That doesn’t mean you forget him, but it does mean you stop (maybe) using his empty locker as some sort of a shrine.
