It appears that Dwyane Wade’s professional basketball career may not be over yet after he recently hinted at the possibility of a comeback.
The former Miami Heat superstar retired from the NBA last April at the conclusion of the 2018-19 regular season, ending a storied career that will most certainly lead to the Hall of Fame. But Springfield may have to wait a while if the 37-year-old shooting guard suddenly decides to return to the hardwood.
Arash Markazi of the Los Angeles Times wondered if Wade could somehow be inspired to unretire and play alongside LeBron James for one more year.
“I’m done, but my trainer is going to keep me in shape just in case something happens,” Wade said. “I’m going to stay in shape because you never know. Never say never.”
Wade and James played together in Miami for four years from 2010 to 2014. For a few months during the 2017-18 season, the two renewed their partnership on the Cleveland Cavaliers until Wade was shipped to the Heat at the trade deadline.
Just like Michael Jordan, who said that he was 99.9 percent sure that he was never going to play basketball again when he retired a second time in 1999, Wade is leaving the door slightly open in case he feels the need to scratch an itch.
As many fans know, Jordan couldn’t keep himself away from the game for too long, returning to the NBA via the Washington Wizards in 2001.
Could Wade do the same?
He addressed this question from a fan during a video Q&A at the release of NBA 2K20 last Friday. Wade seemed sure he won’t do what Jordan did, but he also didn’t close the door entirely.
Given the right incentive, he might follow in Jordan’s footsteps someday. If he follows through with his plans of working out with James before Los Angeles Lakers games this season, he could find himself motivated enough to play in the league once again.
