Dwyane Wade sets sail into retirement with 'Banana Boat crew' looking on

Peter Thompson

Dwyane Wade sets sail into retirement with 'Banana Boat crew' looking on image

Dwyane Wade says he can retire a happy man and expressed his gratitude to the rest of the "Banana Boat crew" for being courtside at the Heat legend's swansong on Wednesday.

The three-time NBA champion ended his illustrious career with a triple-double of 25 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists in a 113-94 loss to the Nets at Barclays Center.

LeBron James, Chris Paul and Carmelo Anthony were there to witness Wade's last hurrah.

Wade felt it was a fitting that his close friends were reunited for his last NBA appearance.

"Obviously, it means a lot [to have them here]," Wade said. "They know that I will always be there for them, especially in a moment like this.

"No matter what I'm doing, I will be there for their last game. It was cool to see those guys over there. I'm glad they came, but at the same time I wish they weren't here because the whole time they kept telling me to shoot, shoot, shoot.

"But it was great. We've got a brotherhood. Those are my brothers."

Wade added: "For me I'm happy with this season. Unfortunately for the organization, our team, we weren't in position to make the playoffs, but I'm happy to say I completed it.

"I almost messed it up when I fell on the scorer's table. But it's been great. I'm thankful for it and I can retire and be happy about my career, my body of work and everything I've been able to accomplish."

Peter Thompson