CLEVELAND -- Seven years is a long time to stay with one organization in the NBA. Especially, with all of the player movement that goes on with teams having to make moves to duck luxury tax rules and deal with the new apron rules and such.
Dean Wade, now with the Philadelphia 76ers, is set to make his return to Rocket Arena on Friday for the first time since leaving the Cleveland Cavaliers in free agency. After seven years with the Cavs, he made his return to the floor at shootaround in a Sixers uniform. It felt a bit different for him as he walked into a building that is so familiar for him, but the way he went about his business was a bit different.
"It feels weird," Wade acknowledged. "Feels weird being on the other side now. Just yeah, it's
just different. Like walking in just now, just saw one of the security guys that's been here since I've been here. So I just talked to him for a little bit. It’s just different being on this side."
Along with Wade making his return to Cleveland, of course, this means another trip back to Rocket Arena for LeBron James. This is always an emotional return for the 24-year veteran, who spent 11 seasons with the Cavs across two separate stints, and won a championship with the Cavs in 2016. Wade has been a part of some interesting James returns to Cleveland.
"I mean, anytime in my seven years, anytime that LeBron came back, it was just a madhouse," Wade stated. "It was crazy that the fans were awesome. So I expect that to be what tonight's going to be like. Super loud, a lot of energy. I think it's gonna be a fun night."
The Cavaliers honored James with a special tribute video in his most recent game back in Cleveland. A moment where James teared up as he acknowledged the special moment for himself after everything he's given to Northeast Ohio and the Cavs organization. Ever since he was drafted No. 1 by the franchise back in 2003 and played at such a high level, it makes sense for him to get emotional over such a big night.
"It was special," Wade recalled of that night. "I mean, everything he's done for the game, and where he grew up, and being drafted here, and everything he brought to this organization. He's inspired millions and millions of people to play basketball and get to the heights that they've got to, and being able to kind of watch and play against him. I know they didn't play very good against us last year, but it was special, especially being even around part of it."
The Sixers, meanwhile, will look to navigate through the emotions and pick up a win in Cleveland on Friday at 7:30 p.m. EST.
This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Sixers' Dean Wade talks his, LeBron James' returns to Cleveland
