"RIP Bean": Dwyane Wade takes a trip down Team USA memory lane with a rich tribute to Kobe Bryant
Ahead of the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics, NBA legend Dwyane Wade took a trip down Team USA memory lane with a rich tribute to the late Kobe Bryant. Wade shared snaps of his appearance at Team USA's training camp in Las Vegas, along with throwback pictures of the 2008 USA roster, which featured him with Bryant, Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James.
Wade also captioned his post and story "RIP Bean," which refers to Bryant's middle name.
"Hoop is forever ♾️🐍 #RIPBean," Wade captioned.
Dwyane Wade linked up with LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony at the Team USA training camp on Wednesday. He also reminisced about the late Bryant and their 2008 Olympic stint, as shown by his Instagram post and story.
Kobe Bryant headed the 2008 Team USA, often known as the 'Redeem Team,' while Dwyane Wade was a key player in Team USA's effort to reclaim gold after winning bronze in the 2004 Olympics.
LeBron James is the only player from the 'Redeem Team' to feature in the upcoming Paris Olympics.
Wade's Olympic accolades include the bronze medal in Athens 2004 and the gold medal in Beijing 2008. Wade didn't play for the team in London 2012 due to injury; however, he will head to Paris for the upcoming Olympics in a different role.
Dwyane Wade heads to Paris with Team USA for the Olympics as basketball analyst
Dwyane Wade will join NBC Sports as a commentator for Team USA men's basketball games.
“I’m thrilled to join NBC Sports as a commentator for Team USA Men’s Basketball games,” Wade said. “The Olympics are the world’s greatest sporting competition with elite athletes competing at the highest level on the world’s largest stage. I have tremendous pride when I look back at my time competing as an Olympic athlete.
"I have the utmost respect for these players and their commitment to greatness. It will be an honor to witness their journey in person and share this special experience with viewers while we unite to celebrate their pursuit of the gold.” [via NBC Sports].
Team USA will be looking for their fifth consecutive Olympic gold medal since winning bronze in 2004. The team appears to be going all out for the forthcoming international competition, putting together a star-studded lineup to secure gold in Paris after finishing fourth in the 2023 FIBA World Championship.