All U Can Heat
Fansided

Miami Heat: Dwyane Wade’s Last Dance isn’t just for show

By Allana Tachauer

MIAMI, FL - DECEMBER 22: Dwyane Wade #3 of the Miami Heat celebrates a basket in the closing minute against the Milwaukee Bucks during the second half at American Airlines Arena on December 22, 2018 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - DECEMBER 22: Dwyane Wade #3 of the Miami Heat celebrates a basket in the closing minute against the Milwaukee Bucks during the second half at American Airlines Arena on December 22, 2018 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

NBA superstar Dwyane Wade isn’t going down without a fight, still making sure to do whatever it takes to bring the Miami Heat success this year.

At 36-years-old, Dwyane Wade could easily take a backseat for the Miami Heat, and simply bask in the glory of his retirement tour.

He could add 10-15 minutes of playing time to his name, during which he could get a defender or two to fall for his famous pump-fake, lay in a pretty floater and splash in a 3-point shot, before waving to the crowd and heading back to the bench for the final time that day.

Yes, Wade’s #OneLastDance could be a sweet and slow one.

But that just wouldn’t be in the superstar’s nature.

So instead, he’s averaging 25.6 minutes a game. Shooting a career-high 34.0 percent from downtown. And giving his team record-breaking performances like when he scored 35 points in 34 minutes on 13-of-22 shooting from the field (4-for-7 from beyond-the-arc), on November 25 against the Toronto Raptors.

Whether you want to call him Father Prime or Vintage Wade, one thing is clear: the veteran didn’t return for the money or the fame, or the glitz or the glamour.

He came back to make sure the Heat continue to find success, and that the organization is left in good hands.

In 23 games so far this season, the Illinois-native is still acting as an asset on both ends of the floor, averaging 14.4 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.7 assists.

He’s also serving as a leader for the team’s second unit, and as a mentor for the youth movement that can be found in the likes of Bam Adebayo, Josh Richardson and Justise Winslow; both of which he’s excelled in, by taking over late in games

Take Miami’s 94-87 win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday night, for example.

While Wade finished with 13 points on 4-of-9 shooting, eight rebounds, three assists and one steal in 27 minutes, his contribution to the team’s victory was less about the numbers he put up, and more about the way in which he came alive late in the game.

He managed to score six of the Heat’s last 10 points, mostly by way of quick jumpers, sealing Milwaukee’s fate for the evening.

Of course, Wade’s impact hasn’t just been on the court either.

He has also taken on the task of keeping up team morale, something that undoubtedly helped Miami get back on its feet, after the Heat’s 2018-19 campaign started off rocky.

"“I feel like we’ve turned a corner,” Wade said. “Throughout a season, you want to turn different corners. I feel like we’ve turned the one we need to now. Even after the Utah [blowout loss], those games happen. As I said, you ball that up and throw it out.”"

Next. Miami Heat 1-on-1: There's never a dull moment with this team. dark

Dwyane Wade’s Last Dance with the Miami Heat is anything but just for show.

Home/Heat News