The Cleveland Cavaliers played shorthanded on Friday against the Indiana Pacers, and once again on Sunday versus the Detroit Pistons as Dwyane Wade asked the team for a leave to pay his last respect for his longtime agent and friend, Henry “Hank” Thomas, who recently passed away. He has been excused from the Cavs’ games and practices and was reportedly told by general manager Koby Altman to “take his time” during this period of mourning.
However, Wade may already suit up again for the Wine and Gold as early as Tuesday when they face the same Pistons team, inside Little Caesars Arena in downtown Detroit, according to head coach Tyronn Lue.
Wade recently took to his Instagram account to pen a heartfelt letter to Thomas, who had served as a father figure to him, even going back to the start of his professional career with the Miami Heat. He shared some good memories of Thomas and even called himself his son, which goes to show the level of respect and admiration Wade has for him.
The former 12-time All-Star’s return will be a huge boost to the Cavs as he leads their second unit and provides the team with quality minutes off the bench. After getting back on the winning column on Friday and Sunday, Wade will be relied upon to continue playing his role and give their starters a valuable lift which will further boost their chances of having a hot streak, which they badly need at this point as the Cavs lost 10 of 13 games before winning against the Pacers.