Dwyane Wade Comments on Making Bulls Home Debut

After an impressive Chicago Bulls debut that saw him score 22 points en route to a 105-99 win over the Boston Celtics on Thursday, guard Dwyane Wade commented on what it was like to finally play for his hometown team.

Talking to reporters after the game, D-Wade discussed a reflective moment he had during player introductions prior to his first game as a Bull at the United Center:

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I've been waiting on that moment for a long time. I know it was special, obviously, for my family who was here. They've been waiting on it probably just as long. I just took that moment just to thank God for giving me this opportunity to be here, to do these things, to have this career I have. And to be able to make a decision on my own. And put myself in a position where I can live a dream out. I was very thankful in that moment. Took that knee to just thank the Lord and hear the cheers in the crowd and take in a moment. And then, it's game time.

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The 34-year-old Windy City native also described how big of a night it was for his entire family, specifically his mother and father:

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We're all from Chicago, man. I know this moment meant a lot [to them] as well. They're very proud of what I've been able to accomplish in basketball, period. Even being in the NBA. They're very proud of me.

But I know deep inside this means a lot to them. Because this is where we grew up, watching a little 12-inch TV together, trying to watch the Bulls game on WGN. So I know this moment was incredible for them as well, and I enjoyed it. Because I know my loved ones, my family, we grew up idolizing and worshiping this organization and Michael Jordan and Scottie [Pippen] and the Bulls.

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The future Hall of Famer finished the night with 22 points, six rebounds, five assists and four three-pointers made. The biggest trifecta of all came with 26.3 seconds left to ice the game for Chicago. Wade described the following moments as an "out-of-body experience."

Wade shocked the basketball world when he signed with the Bulls during the offseason after spending the first 13 years of his NBA career with the Miami Heat.

The 12-time All-Star won three championships during his time in Miami, but suiting up for Chicago was a dream come true.

It is difficult to say how Wade, Jimmy Butler and Rajon Rondo will mesh over the long haul, but Thursday's win over one of the Eastern Conference's top teams suggests the Bulls have a chance to be one of the Cleveland Cavaliers' biggest threats.

Wade takes a great deal of pride in playing for his hometown team and leading them to prominence, and as long as he stays healthy, he is the perfect player to spearhead the resurgence of Bulls basketball.

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