The Return of Dwyane Wade

Dwyane Wade is leading the United States in scoring through five exhibition games and two games in Olympic pool play.

Wade claims he’s playing with a chip on his shoulder due to those who have written him off or questioned his ability after a long fall from grace over the previous two seasons.

Wade led the Miami Heat to the 2006 NBA championship and was named Finals MVP after averaging 34.7 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 2.7 steals against the Dallas Mavericks.

But his career has been marred by injuries ever since.  Wade has missed 62 games over the last two seasons, including the Miami Heat’s final 21 games of the 2007-2008 season to undergo shock-wave treatment on his surgically repaired left knee.

The procedure appears to be a success as Wade has regained his trademark explosiveness.  Wade’s first step and ability to split defenders on the pick-and-roll is unparalleled.

But is the Dwyane Wade of old enough to get the Heat back into championship contention?

And can he temper his attack mode playing style over an 82 game season in order to avoid injury?

For starters, the Eastern Conference has improved since Wade teamed with Shaquille O’Neal to defeat the Detroit Pistons en route to their 2006 championship.  The Philadelphia 76ers and Toronto Raptors acquired Elton Brand and Jermaine O’Neal through free agency and trade.  The Orlando Magic won 50 games last season.  And the Boston Celtics put a strangehold on the Eastern Conference behind the best defense in the league.  Boston  won all three matchups with the Heat last season and held Wade to 28% from the field in the process.

The defending champion Celtics will return all five starters and are more than adept at keeping opposing guards out of the paint.  Wade wasn’t 100% in his three matchups with the Celtics, but Kobe Bryant and LeBron James can attest to Boston’s ability to force low percentage shots.

And Wade’s shot selection may end up determining his legacy.  Through his first five seasons, Wade’s ability to get to the hoop and draw fouls has been his hallmark.  But it’s been a blessing and a curse.  Dunks, layups, and free throws are high percentage shots but they aren’t as efficient when they carry the injury toll that comes from mid-air contact and falls to the hardwood floor.

At 26 years of age, Wade is approaching his athletic peak.  But just because he can get to the basket, doesn’t mean he should.  In order to take the next step in his development, he’ll need to improve his mid-range game so that he can save himself from the physical abuse NBA power forwards and centers inflict upon guards who enter the paint.

There isn’t a team in international play that can keep a player with Wade’s explosiveness from getting to the basket.  And there are few teams in the NBA that are up to the task.  Although without Shaquille O’Neal, opposing teams will be able to key on Wade like never before.  That’s why it’s imperative that Wade add new facets to his game and lead the Heat on both ends of the floor.

We’re witnessing the return of Dwyane Wade in these Olympics, but the Dwyane Wade of old won’t be enough for complete redemption.