Memphis Grizzlies head coach and former Miami Heat assistant coach David Fizdale was shocked to see that he wasn’t the only long-time employee to leave Miami.
After Fizdale settled into his new home in Memphis, Dwyane Wade departed to return home to Chicago to sign with the Bulls following a contract dispute with the Heat.
13 years, five finals appearances, three championships, and franchise records for assists, steals, points, and games played. That's Wade's legacy in South Beach.
Fizdale, who was an assistant coach starting in 2008 for the Heat, said the split impacted him deeply, although he is neutral to the situation.
Few are more qualified to have a say in the situation, and he spoke with CBS to share his thoughts.
It was, quietly and when I was sitting alone, it was heartbreaking. I have deep, deep affection for both sides of that. …The idea of Dwyane Wade not being in a Heat uniform was a kick in the stomach. I spoke to both sides, and it was a kick in the stomach to both of them. Dwyane wasn't exactly jumping with joy to leave, though he's excited about a new opportunity and a new challenge. But he was hurt he didn't stay, and the Heat were hurt as well he didn't stay.
Fans felt similarly, wondering if Wade was playing the free agent market for leverage in his negotiations with the Heat, before discovering that he wasn’t kidding regarding entertaining other offers. No one really imagined a move such as this one, even if it was a possibility.
Fizdale, however, feels there will be some mending and reconciliation at some point in time between the two sides.
Who knows what the future holds, you may see him back there in a year and everything's back to normal. But it doesn't change anything from the standpoint of what we all shared (and) accomplished together. That's something you can't ever take away. I know both sides understand that and eventually will come back together whether while he is still playing or in retirement.
Let's be real about it, there's going to be a banner up there with his jersey on it and a big ol' statue of him out front of (American Airlines Arena) looking out over Biscayne Boulevard. So how can it not come back together?
After Heat president Pat Riley expressed regret for not pursuing Wade harder, Fizdale just might be correct, even if it doesn’t happen right away.
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