Miami Heat: Dwyane Wade’s Still Got It
For Dwyane Wade, the Big Three era in Miami has been a bit of a mixed bag. On one hand, he has been to three straight NBA Finals and added two more NBA championship rings to his name. And on the other, he has had people doubt and question his ability to still be “the guy” every step of the way as he took the passenger seat and allowed LeBron James to be the Batman to his Robin.
However, by no means is that the only reason for uncertainty. Hell, Scottie Pippen played second fiddle to Michael Jordan and nobody doubted his ability for one second.
Dwyane Wade’s biggest nemesis recently has been injuries. Lots and lots of injuries, particularly to his knees, although the fact that LeBron has been playing out of his mind is a huge contributing factor since the two were once seen to be on equal footing.
Throughout his career, Flash has struggled with injuries, as he has often missed chunks of the season or tried to power through the pain, though that has simply led to him leaving games early or resulted in him looking off his game. That’s not much of a surprise because at his best, Wade is one of the finest at slicing his way into the paint at will. Twisting and contorting his body to leave the defenders clutching at air, yet still having the body control to finish with shots that teeter along the lines of insanity and would seem impossible to make.
Moreover, he can also be a defensive nightmare as his activity as well as ability, both on and off the ball, rivals any other player’s as he can stick to his man like glue or play help defense as well as any big man. In 2008-09, Wade recorded 2.2 steals per game alongside 1.3 blocks to terrorize defenders both big and small. His timing and leaping ability have led to some pretty emphatic rejections and status as arguably the best shot blocking guard in the history of the NBA.
But at 31 years of age, whether due to Father Time catching up with him perhaps sooner than anticipated or perhaps injuries derailing him, Dwyane Wade has seemingly lost that pep in his step. Perhaps it’s combination of the two, which wouldn’t be much of a surprise at all considering he has a fly-high-and-crash-hard style of play which usually ends with him plastered on the deck way too often. Problem is that’s the worst thing for the longevity of his career, but also what has always been the best part of his play.
In recent times, what can now only be described as “Vintage Wade,” is typically only seen in bits and glimpses. And at times, when he goes for one of his trademark, physics defying finishes, fans and coaches alike can’t help but be fearful because it seems as if he will get injured everytime.
Nevertheless, their worries may soon be laid to rest as Wade has reached out to his former trainer, Tim Grover, who worked with him in the 2008 offseason. The following season Wade only went and won himself the NBA scoring title with an average of 30 points per game, shooting a career high in 3-pointers with 31 percent.
Was it a coincidence? Maybe. Although it is worth noting that Grover has worked with the likes of Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan. Not exactly the worst company to be associated with is it?
It could very well be that he has lost a step and that father time, in addition to the numerous occasions he ended up slamming against floor are catching up to him, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Tim Grover will have Wade back in excellent physical condition. Then hopefully we will see more of the Dwyane Wade of old.
After all, despite his age, all the injuries and mileage, Dwyane Wade is still a perennial All-NBA player, a nine-time NBA All-Star and still has the killer instinct with the mentality and heart of a lion. Maybe being healthy will have him roaring again.
If the mini demonstrations in the 2013 NBA Finals are anything to go by, then there’s no doubt in my mind that Dwyane Wade still got it.
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