Spurs gift retiring Wade jerseys of franchise icons
Gregg Popovich gifts Dwyane Wade with signed jerseys from Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili during pregame. (0:16)
SAN ANTONIO — There was no need for the customary Dwyane Wade jersey swap on Wednesday night in San Antonio during the latest stop on his farewell tour, as the Spurs presented the future Hall of Famer with the jerseys of their most iconic players in recent history.
After the playing of the national anthem and before tipoff against the Miami Heat, the Spurs showed a tribute video in honor of Wade. San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich then presented the veteran guard with the jerseys of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili packaged in a black-and-silver gift box.
Popovich walked over to greet Wade after the video in front of the Heat bench, where the coach presented the jerseys before the two shared a brief embrace.
“He certainly is an iconic figure as far as NBA basketball goes,” Popovich said before the game. “And it’s not just because of the way he played. He played hard. He played to win. He had a ferocious attitude on the court. But it was matched with a wonderful smile and a great understanding of the world and community off the court. I think that’s what made him so special — a coveted teammate, somebody that everybody enjoyed playing with, a guy that cared about more than just basketball. That’s what makes him iconic in my mind.”
In addition to Wade’s various on-court highlights, the Spurs showcased his work off the court during the video tribute, which lasted just short of two minutes and ended with: “Thank you, Dwyane.”
Playing off the bench, Wade is averaging 14.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 25.6 minutes in 60 games this season.
After the contest in San Antonio on Wednesday, just 11 regular-season games remain in Wade’s career.