Dwyane Wade on Reading Michael Jordan’s Rare Air Book as a Kid: ’Dang, Jordan Is Human’

Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls dominated the 90s, changing the face of the NBA. Many players who are in the league right now, or were in the league, grew up watching Jordan. This includes retired Miami Heat legend Dwyane Wade who grew up as a huge fan of Jordan.

In a recent appearance on The Rich Eisen Show, Wade talked about his new photobook/memoir ‘Dwyane’, Steph Curry, his time playing with LeBron James, and about Jordan.

Interestingly, it seems like Wade’s book draws a bit of inspiration from the ‘Rare Air’ book by the Bulls legend.

What does Michael Jordan’s Rare Air book mean to Dwyane Wade?

To those unaware, Wade’s ‘Dwyane‘ is a photographic memoir of the NBA icon. It includes over 100 pictures covering Wade’s life, both on and off the court. Jordan’s ‘Rare Air‘ is similar, with his rare pictures printed along with Jordan’s own thoughts added in the book. It gave a glimpse into his life and mind, covering various aspects that were never explored before.

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Wade’s new book is his own way to leave a mark, certainly sharing a strong connection with Jordan as well.

“This goes back to when I was a kid. I remember getting Michael Jordan’s Rare Air book. And I remember just like being able to see things about my favorite player that I’ve never been able to see before,” he said.

How did the book help Wade see Jordan?

Wade added that in the end, the book made him feel better about himself. So him putting a book together after his NBA career and 39 years of life is to

“become that image for the little Dwyane of the world just like MJ became an image” for him. “Seeing him play with his kids and all the things that was like, ‘dang, Jordan is human’,” he added.

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Through ‘Dwyane’, Wade hopes to show a human side to a person people have known only via sport.

Wade was a part of the league for 16 seasons, spending most of them with the Miami Heat. He won three NBA titles with the team and has rightfully earned a spot as one of the greatest players to play in the NBA. The 13-time NBA All-Star retired in 2019 but has been closely linked with the league ever since.