“We Looked at Kobe as a Superhero”: Dwayne Wade Looks Back at How Kobe Bryant Inspired Others

It was all about Kobe Bryant for Dwayne Wade when Miami Heat were retiring Wade’s No.3 jersey. The ceremony took place at halftime of the team’s 124-105 home win over the Cleveland Cavaliers at AmericanAirlines Arena.

Wade recalled an incident when Bryant told him one should try to inspire people.

“Kobe said the most important thing is to try to inspire others so they can be great in whatever they try to do,” Wade said as per ESPN. “I hope I inspired you. Thank you for making me a part of your legacy. Please know you’re a huge part of mine.”

Kobe Bryant served as an inspiration throughout his life says Dwayne Wade

Wade played 13 years for Miami between 2003 and 2016. During his time there, he became a three-time NBA Champion including the Finals MVP on the first occasion in 2006. After Saturday’s ceremony where Miami officially retired his No.3 jersey, Wade recalled Bryant’srecent demise and further talked about how he was an inspiration in every phase of his life.

“The impact that the passing of Kobe has done on me and so many others is it’s made us sit down and stop,” he said. “Life goes so fast. We move at a rapid pace. It’s made me enjoy the moment more. It’s made me want to create more memories. It definitely puts a lot of things in perspective.

“As athletes, we’re looked at as superheroes. We looked at Kobe as a superhero. That moment has touched all of us and will continue to,” Wade said.

“Kobe was leading the way — he retired and showed us in his next act after retirement that you can master that, as well. He mastered basketball, he mastered being an amazing father, he mastered being a husband, he mastered being a creator. He was showing us the way, and now we don’t have that. So I do have a responsibility to be that guy and show the way for the next generation.”