Vivint Arena Crowd Welcomes Dwyane Wade To Utah During Jazz/Pacers Game

Apr 16, 2021, 1:34 PM | Updated: 1:45 pm

Ryan Smith - Dwyane Wade - Utah Jazz - Indiana Pacers...

Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith, left, and Dwayne Wade, who bought a share of the team, talk during a game at the Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City on Friday, April 16, 2021. (Courtesy of Deseret News)

(Courtesy of Deseret News)

BY KYLE IRELAND, KSL SPORTS

KSL Sports

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The crowd at Vivint Arena welcomed new Jazz part owner and NBA legend Dwyane Wade, who sat courtside during Utah’s game against the Indiana Pacers.

The Jazz hosted the Pacers at Vivint Arena on Friday, April 16.

It was Wade’s first game as a member of the franchise’s ownership group.

In the opening minutes of the contest, Wade sat courtside along with majority owner Ryan Smith.

Dwyane Wade and Ryan Smith sitting court side at today’s @utahjazz game. 👀 pic.twitter.com/oDi17I08l8

— Ben Anderson (@BensHoops) April 16, 2021

Near the end of the first quarter, Wade was introduced to the crowd.

The crowd cheered and applauded the NBA legend and new Jazz part owner.

The @UtahJazz home crowd officially welcomes Dwyane Wade to Utah. #TakeNote pic.twitter.com/tr1bMG4kAA

— Ben Anderson (@BensHoops) April 16, 2021

About Dwyane Wade

The Jazz announced that Wade was joining the organization’s ownership group on April 16.

“Dwyane is not only a basketball legend, he is also a great leader, businessman, and human being,” Smith said in a release from the team. “As we continue to build on the incredible legacy of the Utah Jazz franchise, we are excited to add Dwyane’s experience and expertise to the equation. Utah is an amazing place and I couldn’t be more thrilled about the future of the franchise and the future of this state. Dwyane’s influence will be important to both.”

Dwyane Wade sitting courtside with Ryan Smith for the game right now https://t.co/kweIjDdAgF pic.twitter.com/VzEyr0M8xn

— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) April 16, 2021

Prior to Wade joining the Jazz, he played in the NBA for 16 seasons, 14 of which were as a member of the Miami Heat.

Wade retired from playing in 2019.

During his career, Wade was a 13-time NBA All-Star and three-time NBA champion.

warm welcome @vivintarena ❤️ pic.twitter.com/fZC8VNeykj

— utahjazz (@utahjazz) April 16, 2021

Utah’s game against Indiana is broadcast on NBA TV, AT&T SportsNet, and 97.5 FM.

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