Cleveland Cavaliers guard Dwyane Wade was excused from Friday night’s game against the Indiana Pacers to deal with what was being called a “personal matter.” The three-time champion took to Instagram on Saturday to explain his absence from the Cavs’ win.
As it turns out, Wade’s personal issue was the death of his agent, Henry Thomas — a man he viewed as a father figure. Thomas, 64, was one of the most influential agents in the NBA. He represented Wade, Udonis Haslem, Chris Bosh, Tim Hardaway, and several other Miami Heat players
Wade thanked Thomas in his post, which includes a photo of the two together on draft night in 2003.
“Dear Hank, I’m writing this letter to you as I cry both tears of SADNESS and tears of JOY,” Wade wrote in his post. “I know — I know —I can hear your voice saying, ‘Come on my man, you got this!’ I can picture your face and feel your hugs in so, so many moments in my life. Whether it’s you hugging me and saying how proud you are of me or congrats on winning a NBA championship or you hugging me and saying everything’s gonna be alright -— we will get thru this.”
Wade went on to explain that Thomas was more than just an agent.
“I can’t thank you enough for these last 15 years,” Wade continued. “You should be so proud of the job you did on this young, misguided kid from Chicago. I was a young 21 when we met, and I needed a Man’s love. My dad and I had things to work out and I was leaving my father-figure, Coach Crean, so you stepped in right away and became that MAN I desperately needed.
“I hate saying my “agent” because you have always been way more than that to me,” Wade wrote in closing. “I cry these tears because, selfishly, I wanted you to be there when I got my jersey retired, or when I gave my hall of fame speech, or when I had a daughter. I’ve got so many questions on how to raise a strong, confident, intelligent, independent black woman. I hope you don’t mind, but I will still be calling on you for guidance. I love you, Henry (Hank) Thomas. THANK YOU for loving me right back. Be at peace. We (your family) got this!!! Your son, Dwyane!”
The Cavs’ superstar’s words are touching, to be sure. He’s been given as much time as needed to deal with this issue, per Cavs general manager Koby Altman and head coach Tyronn Lue. Whether or not he’ll be available for Sunday’s game against the Detroit Pistons remains to be seen.