Dwyane Wade’s best basketball days are in the past, but Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra still believes the 11-time All-Star will have a big impact on the 2015-16 team—especially when it matters the most.
According to Manny Navarro of The Miami Herald, Spoelstra said he has a plan to maximize Wade’s abilities while remaining cognizant of his limitations.
“This is not about a decreased role or minimizing him in any way shape or form. Players adjust and adapt as they get further on in their career. I think he’s been an absolute genius with that reconstruction and additions of his game.”
Spoelstra continued, saying Wade is a unique talent.
“But, I still see a player that is a force of nature in particularly in the biggest moments. He’s a game separator. Those guys are tough to find. And I’m not going to minimize that role on his part.”
Although the coach admitted he must be careful with “other things” with Wade—undoubtedly an acknowledgement of the veteran’s knee issues that regularly cause him to sit out—Spoelstra said he doesn’t plan to change the 33-year-old’s style of play.
But is Wade still the type of player Spoelstra described?
According to NBA.com, Wade posted a 34.8 field goal percentage during the final five minutes of games when the score was within five points either way. Among the 29 players who attempted at least 50 clutch-time shots, only seven guys—including Kyle Lowry (34.7), Chris Paul (34.3), and Damian Lillard (31.3)—registered lower marks.
Nevertheless, the Heat will rely on Chris Bosh and Wade, tallied 21.5 points and 4.8 rebounds last season, in hopes of returning to the playoffs. But if Miami wants to make a run at a championship, Wade needs to consistently be that force of nature in big moments.