In this week’s AllUCanHeat roundtable, the staff discusses the impact of Dwyane Wade re-signing for his 16th and final season with the Miami Heat.
Dwyane Wade is back. How do you think his final year will impact the Miami Heat?
Brandon Johnson (@bjohnsonnba): It’s my understanding that Wade, like Kobe Bryant before him and unlike Kevin Garnett, will expect a bit more than simply riding the bench for the fun of it in his last season. Assuming he plays upwards of 25 minutes per game, Wade will definitely be a major contributor, likely stepping up in late game situations and continuing to make an impact on the development of Miami’s youth.
Imran Ebrahim (@iebrahim81): While there will be a few moments in the coming season that will be vintage ‘Flash,’ most of his time will be spent playing a big role as a leader and mentor for the young squad. The energy he brings to the game, the crowd, and players across the lineup is what will impact the team the most. All of the guys on the roster seem to love him (why wouldn’t they?) and I think it’ll add to the hustle and heart that they already play for. To have it in the back of their heads that ‘This could be Dwyane Wade’s last game against Phoenix or Portland’ or whoever, will probably make them grind out the hard times just a little bit harder.
Chase Eyrich (@ceyrich): Just having a veteran leader will be huge for Miami. But the impact I see the most playing out, is that the team has something to play for. Instead of the focus being to just try and make the playoffs, now it’s “we have to send Wade off right.”
Rahmeaun Rahming (@Boneman9000): With Wade back in town for his final season, there will be this aura surrounding the team at all times. Head coach Erik Spoelstra has always categorized this sort of feeling as “noise,” but it’ll be hard to block it out this year. Whichever player has a breakthrough season, will have to do so under the duress of constant media scrutiny and heightened media and fan presence. Even games like their away contest versus the Sacramento Kings in early February will be full of life and added drama. That will be hard.