Father Prime
In a league dominated by 20-somethings, playing at the age of 36 can seem questionable.
But as the saying goes: age ain’t nothing but a number. A sentiment that so far has definitely held true for Wade.
Sure, his numbers may be at the lowest they’ve ever been, but they’re still respectable. Especially when his minutes played are taken into account. This season with the Heat specifically, the guard averaged 12.0 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.1 assists over 21 games, in 22.2 minutes off the bench. Numbers that increased during the playoffs.
He had strong regular games like scoring 27 points on 10-for-16 shooting in 25 minutes, ironically against the 76ers. And put up 28 points, going 11-of-16 from the field in 26 minutes in Game 2. In other words, Wade can still be crazy efficient.
Yes, even at the age of 36.
No one is expecting season-highs or consistent SportsCenter highlight reels from Wade anymore. But it’s clear that he can still be a major contributor to this team. And not just as a mentor off-the-court, either.
Between continuing to catch guys with his infamous pump-fake, smoothly collecting two with an underhanded layup or pulling up for quick mid-range jumper… Wade has an entire bag of tricks at his disposal.
So why hang it up just yet?
Even if Wade must cut back even more on his minutes, or he doesn’t even see time in every game, fans will cherish each moment they get to see him out there on the court. Rocking that beautiful No. 3, red, white and black jersey.
Keep on drinking from that fountain of youth, please.