In Dwyane Wade’s final game, D’Angelo Russell says bye to a legend and hello to his next challenge
NEW YORK — D’Angelo Russell walked into Barclays Center sporting Dwyane Wade’s No. 3 jersey on Wednesday night — the same game-worn jersey Wade had given Russell on March 2 after the Brooklyn Nets and Heat played in Miami.
“When can you say that you put on a Hall of Famer’s jersey?” Russell told Yahoo Sports as he exited the arena after Wade’s final NBA game. “I knew I was going to wear it tonight. I just wanted to show my love to D-Wade. I’m a big fan, and I felt like a fan that bought two tickets to come sit courtside for the game today, so I just applaud the man.”
Wade went out in style, finishing with a triple-double: 25 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists in 36 minutes in a 113-94 Nets win. Three years ago, he said that playing Brooklyn “felt like home” and his swan song was no exception.
The sellout crowd was overwhelmingly pro-Heat — “We Want Wade!” chants were prevalent whenever he took a seat on the bench — and even featured a Banana Boat reunion, with LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony and Chris Paul showing up to watch their close friend one last time.
“It’s just like any other game when you’ve got legends sitting courtside, watching games and what not,” said Russell, a former Laker who also played in Kobe Bryant’s final NBA game in 2016. “Unfortunately, it was to see one of our legends leave, but it was great to be a part of it with that type of atmosphere. It had a playoff vibe to it.”
Russell, 23, had his best season as a pro, averaging 21.1 points and seven assists while playing 81 of 82 games and making his first All-Star team. He displayed improved leadership and maturation. He also reacted positively when Kenny Atkinson, the coach responsible for changing his career trajectory, showed him some tough love.
“I’ve enjoyed every bit of it,” Russell said. “I’ve never been a guy to try to prove guys wrong and all that, but I’m enjoying the process. This process has been amazing.”
It wasn’t always that way.
Which makes it rather ironic that Russell is headed to the playoffs, while the Hall of Famer who traded him and trashed him, Magic Johnson, stunningly decided to step down as president of the Lakers on Tuesday night.
“I had no idea,” Russell told Yahoo Sports. “But none of that stuff that happens over there ever surprises me. You have no idea what to expect. How could you be surprised?
“It is what it is. That’s what this league is about: headlines. I was a part of that headline, and now I’m part of another one. Just keep it going. I’m trying to move past that and build my legacy.”
D-Wade built the ultimate legacy in Miami, becoming a beloved sports icon in the city. In 16 seasons, he won three championships and made 13 All-Star teams. He felt like he gave everything he had to the game, including plenty of advice to youngsters like Russell.
“You know you’re one of the best in the game, right?” Wade told Russell during All-Star weekend.
Russell has clearly shown his potential.
The Nets started 8-18, but were able to withstand long-term injuries to Caris LeVert and Spencer Dinwiddie because of Russell’s increased production at point guard. He can be guilty of careless turnovers on occasion — one of a few question marks in his game — but he was able to guide his overachieving team to a winning record in the weak Eastern Conference.
The sixth-seeded Nets will take on the third-seeded Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the playoffs. Brooklyn will be the underdog, but Russell isn’t satisfied with just making it this far.
“I want to make it out of the first round," he said.
The Nets will ultimately have a significant decision to make on Russell, who is set to become a restricted free agent at season’s end. He's about to enter the pressure-cooker of the postseason for the first time. And how he fares will be something for GM Sean Marks and Co. to factor in to the monetary equation.
Whatever the case, on a night when Dwyane Wade’s career ended, it feels like D’Angelo Russell’s has only just begun.
He’s certainly got a fan in D-Wade — and a game-worn jersey to prove it.
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