From Chicago – Dwyane Wade
All the positive vibes that Chicago can offer will be pointed squarely at Wade. He’s the man of the hour, the free agent who got away once before and the addition to the roster that the Bulls splashed cash for which they truly believe makes them a playoff threat.
The reality is that Wade probably plays the lowest minutes per game of his career. Still, due to the deficiencies of the rest of this squad, he should still get his fair share of buckets. He’ll miss a lot of games and doesn’t make Chicago any more of a contender than they were before signing him for big money.
What the Bulls get is a continuity in having a native son. It will make everyone feel better when the starting lineups are announced, and blaring from the speakers, reverberating off every surface, gathering what enthusiasm can be mustered from the beleaguered Chicago fan base we all hear, “From Chicago…”
The shine will eventually fade, but for now, Chicago has a new champion in Wade. Much like LeBron James performed in the Cavaliers home opener on ring ceremony night, he probably wants to have a statement game in his first appearance as a home team player on the United Center floor.