Cleveland Cavaliers G Dwyane Wade mourns loss of longtime agent, 'father figure' Henry Thomas

Cavaliers guard Dwyane Wade missed Friday night's 115-108 win over the Indiana Pacers for what the team called a "personal matter." Sadly, we now know what that matter was, as Wade went public with the news that Henry Thomas, his agent since he broke into the league, has died.

Wade paid tribute to "Hank" in an emotional Instagram post Saturday, referring to Thomas as a "father figure." The post featured a picture of the two taken back in 2003, right after Wade had been drafted by the Miami Heat.

Dear Hank, I’m writing this letter to you as i cry both tears of SADNESS and tears of JOY. 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. I can’t thank you enough for these last 15 years. 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. 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 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!

A post shared by dwyanewade (@dwyanewade) on Jan 27, 2018 at 12:32pm PST

Wade wrote in part:

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 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.

Thomas served as an agent for numerous NBA players, including former Wade teammates Chris Bosh and Udonis Haslam. who also mourned his late friend on Instagram.

I don’t have the words to say right now Hank but I have the memories. Each memory I have of you includes you creating another great memory for someone else. U mentoring someone else. U sacrificing for someone else. U being a role model for someone else. U showing a young black man how to lead a family. You completely dedicated your life to others. That’s why you are so special. Agent?? Hell no!! How about father. Coming from someone who’s dad is and has been around I never hesitated to call you for difficult decision making and advice and you never steered me wrong. I hurt and I smile at the same time. I hurt cause I won’t get that text after every game but I smile cause I know you still won’t miss a game. I love u man!! Nobody better then you Henry Hank Thomas!!!

A post shared by Udonis Haslem (@ud40) on Jan 27, 2018 at 2:32pm PST

In addition, the NBA also released a statement on Twitter addressing Thomas' death, calling him "an important influence in the lives of countless players and a dear friend to so many around the league."

The NBA family mourns the passing of Henry Thomas. He was an important influence in the lives of countless players and a dear friend to so many around the league. Our thoughts and sympathies are with Henry’s family, friends and colleagues.

— NBA (@NBA) January 27, 2018

It is not yet known when Wade will return to the Cavs lineup. General Manager Koby Altman has told Wade to "take his time" during the unspecified leave.