Sights and sounds from the jersey retirement of Miami Heat legend Dwyane Wade

Gilbert McGregor

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Sights and sounds from the jersey retirement of Miami Heat legend Dwyane Wade image

It's not up for debate: Dwyane Wade is the greatest player in the Miami Heat's storied history.

Less than a year after he wore No. 3 for the final time, the Heat raised Wade's jersey to the rafters at halftime of their game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. It's part of a three-day #L3GACY Celebration, an ode to his iconic number that honours his indelible impact on the franchise.

Here's a recap of Night 1:

After being selected fifth overall in the 2003 NBA Draft, Wade spent 15 seasons with the Heat, earning 13 All-Star selections, eight All-NBA selections and three All-Defensive team selections.

Most notably, Wade won titles in 2006, 2012 and 2013, earning Finals MVP 2006.

Ahead of the momentous night where his jersey would be formally retired, the Heat shared a video of Wade's former teammates and college coach congratulating him.

The man of the hour arrives.

In the crowd? T-shirts with a callback to Wade's "MV3" campaign in 2009.

The Heat begin the ceremony with a video chronicling Wade's path to becoming a Miami legend. From the 2003 draft, to his final moments in 2019.

It was only right that Pat Riley, the man who made the decision to select Wade in 2003, was the first to speak.

Doing the honours of raising No.3 is Wade's wife Gabrielle Union and and their daughter.

Once it was time for Wade to have the floor, he delivered a passionate memorable speech.

Here are some of the best excerpts:

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Gilbert McGregor

Gilbert McGregor Photo

Gilbert McGregor first joined The Sporting News in 2018 as a content producer for Global editions of NBA.com. Before covering the game, McGregor played basketball collegiately at Wake Forest, graduating with a Communication degree in 2016. McGregor began covering the NBA during the 2017-18 season and has been on hand for a number of league events.