Former Miami Heat Guard Dion Waiters Speaks Out On Mental Illness And Time With Team

Dion Waiters spent four seasons with the Miami Heat before stepping away from the game due to mental health issues

Dion Waiters last appeared in an NBA game in the 2019–2020 season but is looking to make a comeback after a long battle with depression and anxiety.

Bleacher Report’s Chris Haynes reported on Waiter’s statement and journey back into the league.

Waiters was suspended on three different occasions when he played with the Miami Heat from 2016-20. The first of which was for the season opener after complaining about playing time on social media. He was suspended again after consuming THC-infused edibles, causing a panic attack during a team flight to Los Angeles. Finally, Waiters was suspended for six games after posting a picture celebrating his birthday after claiming he was sick.

On Monday, Waiters held a private workout for a multitude of NBA scouts and executives. Afterward, he spoke with Bleacher Report about the struggles of not playing and his decision to step away to seek help.

He was asked what made him feel ready for a return.

 "I got better with my patience and recognizing my mistakes and where I went wrong, but I want to be able to correct those errors and get a chance to just show my growth," Waiters said. 

Waiters also touched on what depression looked like for him. 

"I just wasn't having fun," Waiters said. "I had thoughts of not being around, but I've got kids. I'd rather be miserable for the rest of my life than to leave my kids without a father. I didn't want to be around anyone, and everybody was still asking for s--t."

Anthony Pasciolla is a contributor to Inside The Heat. He can be reached at anthonypasciolla36@gmail.com or follow him on Tik Tok @anthonysports_