Written by Max Moore, Wisconsin. Follow Max on Twitter @pianomaxx
Years ago, Dwayne Wade, or “Flash,” was one of the most electrifying players in the NBA. He could cross you up and break your ankles. He could get up in your face, then hit you with a stepback jumper. But eventually, like all superstars, he started to decline.
Courtesy: pagesix.com
At first people thought the decline was just because the Heat added Chris Bosh and Lebron James to the mix. But soon we saw underlying issues with Wade. We saw his injuries. We saw him grabbing his ankles on the sideline seemingly in a lot of pain. We saw what was once a “Flash.” turning into a slower, more vulnerable player. He wasn’t invincible. Rumors started: Wade’s presence hurt the team, they said, and Lebron would be better off without him.
The rumors were especially prevalent last year when Wade sat out extended periods with injury woes. Lebron was forced to step up and play more minutes. Fans didn’t like it as Wade played only 54 of 82 regular-season games. But the Heat thought he might be ready for the playoffs. He was. He played a few more minutes per game (32.9 in the regular season compared to 34.7 in the playoffs), but his stats didn’t increase. We didn’t see a new, seemingly rested and renewed Wade.
The Heat didn’t win the championship and rumors began flying. Lebron left. Ray Allen left, too. But Chris Bosh and Dwayne Wade stayed. Then “it” happened.
Courtesy: NBA.com
On February 21st the Heat announced that Chris Bosh would be out for the season with blood clots in his lung. Left were “old man” Wade and a few young players. His supporting cast wasn’t terrible; new additions Hassan Whiteside, Goran Dragic, and Luol Deng helped. But it was Wade who’d have to lead this team.
And that’s exactly what Wade has begun to do. We’ve seen Dwayne turn back the clock–reminiscent of what Tim Duncan has done this year, only better. Wade scored 25 or more points in a string of seven games. Wade hasn’t done that since 2010–a time when he was under 30 years old and kids still associated him with “Flash the Superhero.”
How well has Wade been playing? The stats speak volumes:
Against the Lakers: 25 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds on 41% shooting, and a win.
Against the Kings: 28 points, 4 assists, 4 rebounds on 56% shooting, and a win.
Against the Celtics: 34 points, 2 assists, and 4 rebounds on 56% shooting, with a loss.
Against the Nets: 28 points, 9 assists, 3 rebounds on 40% shooting, and a win.
Against the Raptors: 25 points, 4 assists, 3 rebounds on 69% shooting, with a loss.
Against the Cavs: 32 points, 2 assists, 2 rebounds on 72% shooting, with a win.
Against the Blazers: 32 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds on 50% shooting, with a win.
Courtesy: thehoopstuff.com
What’s causing the resurgence? Has Wade’s game suddenly changed? Is he finally rested? It’s anybody’s guess, really. But I think it’s because of Goran Dragic. Before Dragic came to the Heat Wade did most of the ball-handling. That forced him to jack-up more shots, but (as we all know) Wade is a great off-ball player. When he can get separation, he’s as deadly as anybody in the NBA.
Dragic is doing most of the ball-handling now. We are seeing a whole new Wade as a result. The Heat, who didn’t figure into playoff conversation (after Bosh’s injury), are making a run. They’re 7th in the East (at the time of this writing) and would play the Cavaliers in the playoffs if games started today. That would make for a very interesting matchup, for sure.
If you’re a Heat fan, you have to be excited. With a healthy Bosh, and Wade looking like this, the sky is the limit. The starting five would be Dragic, Wade, Deng, Bosh, and Whiteside. That lineup is as good as any in the NBA, both offensively and defensively.
Personally, I look forward to seeing what Wade can do. A lot of fans are wondering if he has enough left in him for a few more playoff runs. I think he does. He can lead a team of younger players with Bosh. He just needs to stay healthy.
Let’s hope–for the Heat and for the game–that we get to see Dwayne Wade play at a high level … for at least a few more years.
