Philly Cheese was the flavor of the night as Dion Waiters returned to the Miami Heat after a year-long absence.
The last time Dion Waiters played in an NBA game was on December 22, 2017 against the Dallas Mavericks.
What followed was surgery on his troublesome left ankle on January 22, and a year-long absence from basketball.
It has been a long and strange journey for Waiters, especially since ankle surgery usually takes 10 to 12 months. Waiters took the latter of that timetable, which was surprising given the Miami Heat’s track record for rehabbing players.
During his time off, Waiters faced questions of his recovery efforts. Rambunctious onlookers wondered if he was giving full effort, citing round-faced photos that popped up on NBA picture day.
Still, he pushed through pre-game workouts and finally made his season debut last night in the 117-92 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers.
It was the perfect storm for Miami and Waiters. The Heat faced the worst team in the NBA, the Cavs, now at 8-30. Dwyane Wade missed the game with an undisclosed illness, leaving Waiters to take his minutes for that game.
Good team win tonite in Cleveland! Unfortunately my immune system ain’t what it use to be. Came down with something this morning but glad my guys took care of business! #HEATCulture
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) January 3, 2019
Heat Coach Erik Spoelstra was in no hurry to insert the returning veteran. After sitting the Philadelphia native for the entire first quarter, Spoelstra finally subbed in Waiters with 6:25 left in the first half.
Subsequently, Waiters wasted no time in getting engaged in his first appearance this season. The first time he touched the ball, he found an open Derrick Jones Jr., who drilled a three. Showing off his confidence, Waiters took his first shot and made a long jumper.
A few possessions later, Waiters was left open and hit a 3. He even made his final shot, which was a nice drive to the hoop. He finished the game with seven points, two rebounds and three assists. He only played 11 minutes, but that number should go up since he currently not in game shape.
As Waiters tries to regain normalcy on the court he has a model for success to aim for. In the 2016-17 season, Waiters started 43 games and averaged 15.8 points per game, shooting 42% from the field.
His numbers dipped in the next season, as he tried to play through the original ankle injury. He averaged 14.3 points per game and shot a disappointing 39.8% from the field. He started 30 games until deciding to have season ending left ankle surgery.
The Heat host the Washington Wizards on Friday. This will be another game against a struggling team which can definitely benefit the Heat and Waiters, who looks to regain his pre-injury level of conditioning.