Dwyane Wade yesterday mentioned the attacks on the Twin Towers on Sept. 11, 2001, when describing the possible reaction to a losing streak next season by the Miami Heat, according to AOL Fanhouse.

Speaking at a charity basketball game he and former Heat star Alonzo Mourning hosted in Miami, Wade said the team would be a target of opponents next season after the signings of free agents Wade, LeBron James and Chris Bosh.

"We're going to be wearing a bull's-eye," Wade said, according to AOL FanHouse. "But that's what you play for. We enjoy the bull's-eye. Plus, there's going to be times when we lose two, three games in a row, and it seems like the world has crashed down. You all are going to make it seem like the World Trade is coming down again, but it's not going to be nothing but a couple basketball games.

"When the schedule comes out, people will be looking for the Lakers and Heat, to see when they play us. I feel like I'm a new player in Miami. That's how excited I am."

Neither James nor Bosh played in the game, which featured mostly NBA journeymen and former players.

Wade also addressed those who have predicted the Heat will flop with the additions of James and Bosh.

"I'm not really concerned about what people say anymore," he said. "I've made my comments. Inside here, we know how competitive we're going to be."

He said he will be motivated by the doubters.

"My whole career is built on fuel," Wade said. "It's always been there. It's not going to change what I do with my life. It's not going to change the way I am as a person. But it fuels you. And we all need that. Every athlete, every competitor needs something to fuel them. It's going to happen throughout the year."