Wade Will Reclaim His Perch In The NBA

Dwyane Wade was almost the best player in the NBA. After the 2006 NBA Finals, a series in which Wade nearly single-handed led the Miami Heat to their first NBA championship, a case could have been made that Wade was the Association’s top player. Flanked by an all-time great player (Shaq O’Neal) and coach (Pat Riley), D-Wade seemed ready to become a face of the league. His good looks and off-court charisma – he modeled for rap impresario P. Diddy’s Sean John clothing line – made him popular with the NBA’s female audience. His high-flying, athletic style of play made his jersey a must-have for the NBA’s youngest fans. Most importantly, his tenacious – and often reckless – style of play endeared him to fans across all demographics.

Sports fans find a soft spot in their hearts for players who hustle. They absolutely applaud a player who hustles while having talent to burn. Wade became a Iversonian-type player, without the tattoos and rough swagger that turned off the Association’s more conservative fans. His ability to drive to the basket and willingness to absorb contact once he gets there is also the reason why he has played only 51 games in each of the past two seasons.

Now that O’Neal has moved west to Phoenix , Wade is undoubtedly the face of the Heat franchise. Even though he has averaged 25.9 points and 7.2 assists the past two seasons, they feel like a lost part of his career. It seems that Wade should be accomplishing more, especially as he nears his prime.

Although the Heat would likely object to it, Wade should target this summer’s Beijing Olympics as his return date. The feeling of team accomplishment and playing on a big stage again would do wonders for Wade’s mental well-being. Being associated with a potential championship-caliber squad and teaming with the world’s best players for an exquisite common goal will put him back on the right path of his career. Even if he plays a reserve role, the Olympics can re-energize him as he prepares for the 2008-09 season. And perhaps then a chunk of the NBA’s Mount Rushmore will be reclaimed by the player who was once up there.