Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Wade offers olive branch to Gordon for judgment
Haslem says no need for star to apologize for dunk contest
MIAMI — It is too late for Dwyane Wade to change his score, but apparently not too late for an olive branch when it comes to his judging of Aaron Gordon in February’s dunk championship during All-Star Weekend.
During a video chat with former Miami Heat teammate Udonis Haslem on the NBA’s Instagram account, Wade said he is hopeful of landing the Orlando Magic forward on his podcast.
Wade’s judging in the overtime round of the contest contributed, in part, to Heat forward Derrick Jones Jr. winning the competition.
“Next week,” Wade said, “I’m trying to get my guy Aaron Gordon on so we could talk about this dunk contest.”
Wade, who has a signature wine label, hosts “The Wine Down” podcast.
“Aaron Gordon, if you’re out there listening, I’m coming to you Friday,” Wade said. “I’m trying to get you on The Wine Down. We’ll talk about everything you’ve got going on, but let’s definitely talk about this dunk contest.”
Wade spoke from his Los Angeles-area home during the video session, with Haslem at his Southwest Ranches house, during their sheltering in place amid the new coronavirus pandemic.
Haslem, who was at Chicago’s United
Center during the competition judged by Wade, said his former teammate had nothing to apologize for.
“I’ve been getting a lot of pressure,” Haslem said. “I don’t appreciate it, man. Let me tell you something, yes, I’m loyal,
but I’m real. And in my opinion, D-Jones won. That’s all I’m going to say. I’m tired of explaining myself to people.
“I was sitting courtside, I know what I seen.”
Wade called Gordon, “One of the greatest dunkers ever.”
Haslem replied, “Facts.”
Wade and Haslem shared stories for more than 40 minutes during the video chat, with Haslem, 39, insisting he still could put up eight points and eight rebounds per game if given rotation minutes.
More likely is Haslem moving on to retirement a year after Wade said farewell. That likely will have the Heat raising Haslem’s No. 40 to the rafters next season at AmericanAirlines Arena, a year after Wade’s No. 3 was hoisted.
“Your retirement, when it comes, it’s going to be the biggest night in Miami,” Wade said. “We’re going to make sure of it. It’s going to be the biggest night Miami’s ever seen.”
Haslem said it might be up to others to craft a celebration.
“For the people out here that know me, know I wouldn’t do nothing,” he said. “I’d probably go home and go to sleep.”
The two also discussed Jimmy Butler joining the Heat, largely on the recommendation of Wade.
“You told me he was crazy,” Haslem said, “but you ain’t tell me he was loco.” That elicited a chuckle from Wade. “I tried to warn you all,” he said. “I said, ‘Listen, he’s a Miami guy all the way through and through. But he’s crazy as hell.’”
They also joked about the Heat’s illfated addition of Mike Bibby at the end of 2010-11, when the veteran guard seemingly couldn’t hit a shot.
“Shoutout to Mike Bibby,” Wade said, “who didn’t make a shot when he joined the Miami Heat. Shoutout to Mike Bibby.”
Bibby, 41, has since developed a bodybuilder physique.
“I don’t want none of that,” Wade said. Said Haslem, “Arnold Schwarzenbibby.”