Why Dwyane Wade is Still Among the Best Players in the NBA

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With questions about whether his skills and health were in serious decline, Wade has quietly put together a great season for the heat. After Wade had arguably one of his worst playoffs since his rookie year, many people questioned Wade’s health coming into the 2013-14 season. At 32 years old wade isn’t nearly the same player that he was at 24 but he’s is still one of the league’s top superstars.

While Wade has missed 17 games this season, he knows the importance of the sitting out games he can play at a high level in the playoffs

“I wasn’t comfortable with it,” said Wade about sitting out 17 games this year “I’m sure it was uncharted waters for them as well. But it was something I felt I needed to do. It’s just about this picture we always call the bigger picture,” “Who knows if it’s right or wrong? You’ve just got to make a decision and go with it.”

Wade has shown that he can play at a high level when he’s rested.

Games when Wade has had 1 day of rest

24 Games

21.1 Points Per Game

60% Field Goal %

5.2 Assist

After Struggling before the All-Star break wade has taken has game to the next level. In the 13 Games after the All-Star break this season wade has averaged over 21 Points per game and over 5 assist.Wade is also on pace to lead all guards in shooting percentage,an accomplishment that wade has never done in his entire career.

“He’s even more deadly than he was before because he’s more efficient,” Heat Forward Chris Bosh said. “We’re getting him in more pick-and-roll situations, which he can do in his sleep, but getting him down on the block a lot against mismatches has been very effective for us. This is what he does now, and we see it every day.”

Even Lebron James chimed in

“He’s in a great rhythm right now,” James said. “It starts with his health. He’s not 100 percent, obviously, but he’s got his legs under him and a bounce to his step. He’s playing his game, and he’s not second-guessing it. And it’s great to see. His ability to go outside-inside, then inside-outside is definitely a benefit to him and to this team.”

With the playoffs around the corner Wade will be crucial to the heat’s success in the playoffs. If Wade has another sub par playoffs the heat might get back to the NBA finals for the fourth consecutive year.

While Wade has missed some games, he has still been the league’s second best shooting guard.

The Heat’s main goal for Wade has been simple, have Wade healthy and playing at a high level going into the playoffs.

As of now, it seems like the Heat are doing a great job at that.

“When I feel good, I play well; sometimes, it’s just as simple as that,” Wade said. “I’m in one of those grooves right now, just taking my shots. Some of them are wide open, and some of them are not. I’m just taking the ones I’m comfortable with. Just reading, giving guys different moves.”