Remember in the 2010-11 season, when the Miami Heat struggled to close out games because they couldn’t decide who would handle to the ball in clutch situations? Remember when LeBron James didn’t have the clutch gene, and then did? Back then, Erik Spoelstra stubbornly went with James in almost every clutch situation, even if Dwyane Wade had proved time and time again to be one of the most clutch players in NBA history.
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Now without James, Spoelstra will have to decide who he gives the crunch-time responsibilties to. The obvious answer it to give the rock to Wade, but that could lead to inconsistencies given his injury concerns.
So, Bosh then? The guys over at basketballinsiders.com make a case for it.
"Of the remaining players on the roster, Bosh put up the best numbers in clutch situations last year. He averaged the most points and tied with Chris Andersen for most blocks. His shooting percentages in these situations were also fantastic, as he shot 53.7 percent from the field, 51.6 percent from three-point range and 91.7 percent from the field. It’s possible that Wade could return to form and become the HEAT’s go-to player in the clutch this season, but he struggled in those situations last year (shooting just 36.4 percent from the field and 65 percent from the free-throw line)."
Those are some striking statistics, but it makes sense. You immediately go to his clutch three-pointer to beat the Portland Trail Blazers without James. Wade, however, was largely relegated to mid-range shots last season (the most inefficient shot in basketball if you believe the numbers) since James took over the post and Wade refused to shoot anything if there was an arc between him and the basket.
With the offense likely running through Bosh this season anyway, I can see a world where Bosh is in charge in end-of-game situations.
But those are the statistics talking.
What stats don’t account for is personality, and I can’t see Wade giving up these opportunities without a fight. Bosh is more than willing to be a team player, we’ve seen it time and time again. Wade, with all the chips on his shoulder, may crave the ball in the end.