Dwyane Wade: Some Nerve
A few months ago in SLAM, we asked Dwyane Wade to take it easy. With today’s news of his season ending, we look back.
By Khalid Salaam
As far as Dwyane Wade is concerned, I got two words for you: nerve damage.
There is nothing anyone can say that can trump that as far as I’m concerned, and here’s why: Dwyane Wade is way too talented, way too confident and way too prideful to sit himself. So his agent, manager, Heat ownership, the people at Converse, they all need to see how serious of a situation his current injury is and talk to him. By continuing to play in his signature “no abandon” style, he is risking serious damage to his body and career. The next time Wade falls, maybe he shouldn’t get up, or if he does, he needs to walk over to the bench and stay there.
Every generation has a player like this, who seemingly comes out of nowhere. A guy who’s not from a top-tier basketball school, neither underrated nor overrated. He is rated right, at least by usual physical testing standards and by looking at his stats. People feel he would be a good NBA player, but he probably doesn’t have Hall of Fame potential, and then he gets to the pros and his talent blows up.
Wade led a good-but-not-great Marquette squad to the Final Four in 2003 and along the way forced his name into Lottery consideration. The Heat picked him fifth, so it’s not like his rise to prominence was unexpected, but it happened faster and with more success then anticipated. One minute he was a rook, then he was shooting buzzer-beaters in the Playoffs, then he was in the All-Star Game, then he was the Finals MVP. Wade’s style was sort of half-Iverson, half-Jordan, perhaps overly physical for a guard. He resonated both with purists who appreciated his relentless drives to the basket and the common fans who appreciated the athleticism. His jersey sales skyrocketed to the top and he became a superstar, appearing on shows like Live With Regis and Kelly, making best-dressed lists and selling shoes like crazy.
His deal with Converse was initially part of a team package, a bunch of young, on-the-come-up dudes who could give the classic sneaker company much-needed recognition. But nowhere in the iconic brand’s wildest dreams—or anyone else’s, for that matter—did anyone envision Wade’s shoe becoming a big hit. All of a sudden you saw kids wearing Converse. His commercials were on all the time, pumping positive energy into a brand pushed aside by changing tastes and demographics. Wade helped bring Converse back while at the same time bringing the Miami Heat their first NBA championship. He owes you nothing. Or in a more pragmatic viewpoint, push him now and watch Wade turn into the next Penny Hardaway.
Remember, Penny was just as good when he came in. He also blew away expectations and helped lead the other Florida expansion team into the uncharted territory of postseason success. He forced his way into “best player in the League” conversations in the same way. Penny was just as popular, his shoes were considered instant classics and his commercials (especially the Chris Rock-voiced L’il Penny ones) were as omnipresent as Wade’s T-Mobile spots. He even played with Shaq, and when Shaq left he overexerted himself and succumbed to injuries. He was never, ever the same. We’ve seen this movie before; we know how it will end.
The discussion should be easier when one considers Miami’s record as of mid-January. They still have single-digit wins and thoughts of getting healthy and making the postseason are put to rest once you take a look at their roster. Shaq is having knee problems, Mourning is retired, Jason Williams is hobbled and Pat Riley could quit at any point. Best case scenarios are out the door. You have to be realistic. The East is improved, so easy wins are at a minimum. Actually, the Heat is now circled on teams’ schedules as an easy win. They are not a contender. Accept it and let guys get healthy. Plus, this is an extraordinarily intriguing Draft. Gordon? Beasley? Love? There are dudes who can come in next season and compete and contribute. Why the push?
In early January, Pat Riley told the media that Wade’s shoulder was damaged to an “extent rarely seen” by doctors and that the nerve damage was “serious.” Again, what’s the point? If it is this bad and the team is so far out of the Playoff race that nothing he does can matter, then why play him? Wade is too valuable to the League, too great a player to allow his career to be sidelined by stupidity. Nerve damage is not the sort of thing to trifle with, and if his shoulder (never mind the knee on which he had surgery to repair cartilage last May) is damaged any more, we could have already seen his best days.
54 Responses to “Dwyane Wade: Some Nerve”
Mar.10 at 2:03 pm
Blue says:
You know, Khalid…I was just thinking about this when I read about Dwyane being out for the remainder. Maybe Riles read the piece, too…
Mar.10 at 2:05 pm
Ben Osborne says:
To you hating non-magazine reading folks out there, this ran in our special Converse Tribute section in SLAM 116 (LeBron).
Mar.10 at 2:10 pm
Ken says:
Good piece, I agree completely.
Mar.10 at 2:16 pm
Khalid Salaam says:
It took the Heat a couple of more months but they’ve finally come to their senses. Hopefully Wade will be back next season ready to go.
Mar.10 at 2:17 pm
TADOne says:
Wade as the next Penny? Actually, that would be quite ironic. I really hope it doesn’t happen.
Mar.10 at 2:20 pm
Eboy says:
Yeah, Khalid as brumpy Ben pointed out, I enjoyed it in the mag and am glad I could commend you on it. The only thing that I tend to disagree with is the Penny comparison. Yes the similarities are there but with one BIG difference, Penny didn’t play with that reckless abandon that Wade has so Wade’s injury chances are that much greater because of it. Hopefully with this new found rest period, skipping the Olympics (yes I know you said dude can make his own decisions but this should end that convo)the possibility of adding Mr. Beasley in the draft and a restructing of the core of the team, Heat fans can be excited about next season instead of being ashamed of the current product that tips off each night.
Mar.10 at 2:21 pm
Eboy says:
*grumpy
Mar.10 at 2:22 pm
TADOne says:
Glad to see the therapy sessions are paying off Eboy.
Mar.10 at 2:24 pm
Co Co says:
I watched Wade up close the other night, and the boy is talented. Of course you all know that, but he should have shut it down a loooooong time ago! Hopefully he hasn’t done irreparable damage.
Mar.10 at 2:26 pm
Eboy says:
Did I sound angry, TAD? Just saying.
Mar.10 at 2:28 pm
TADOne says:
Aren’t you always E?
Mar.10 at 2:30 pm
Eboy says:
No. I love YOU, my little Virgina Beach manhandler!!!
Mar.10 at 2:31 pm
People's Princess says:
Actually Penny was touted to be the next Magic with athleticism…Man,Penny could play..Please get the J going DWade..for ur sake and ours…
Mar.10 at 2:32 pm
TADOne says:
On a serious note, the Heat are making a wise decision in looking towards the future of the team. They should have a top 3 pick, they have a bunch of money coming off the books, and they no longer have Shaq’s albatross contract restricting them. Wade needs to get right or the future will be more of the same.
Mar.10 at 2:33 pm
TADOne says:
And I’m purposely ignoring Eboy’s last comment.
Mar.10 at 2:37 pm
Eboy says:
PP, in reality, Dwyane’s mid range game is top notch. Without Shaq taking up space and drawing two defenders, D-Wade’s space to operate has been cut down so his J has suffered this season through his injuries, lack of teamates that could hit a shot so he doesn’t have to throw up everything in sight and the fact that every team can just collapse on him. Until they get another post presence (Hello Mr. Beasley) he will still struggle to get easy J’s and if late season indications hold true to form, his three point shooting, while crappy, will increase next season. I think he’s not so worried about TAKING and making them, I think he just is worried about the makes now. He was doing that for the last couple of weeks with regularity.
Mar.10 at 2:44 pm
Co Co says:
Um, I know D Wade is injured, but I can’t help but notice the lack of real criticism he’s taken this season being the leader on a team that didn’t get into double digit wins until February. If he were Kobe or LeBron or any other Superstar it would be unacceptable injury or not. I’m just trying to get on your nerves Eboy.
Mar.10 at 2:45 pm
Miguel Ferreira says:
Ifeel sorry for D-Wade he’s my player
Mar.10 at 2:46 pm
People's Princess says:
I love the lil crossover pull-up he had going there for a while..Actually the form on his jumper is money,its just the range i’m worried about..I kinda mentioned that on the Dunzo board..but I noticed his TO’s are way up and the most frustrating are the ones where he loses handle while driving headfirst into traffic..Kobe beat up on him so badly,Ira Winderman forbid any comparisions of Wade with KB24..While I admire the impartiality,when ur own beat writer says u’re not one of the super-elite anymore,its gotta sting..
Mar.10 at 2:53 pm
Harlem_World says:
THANK YOU CO CO. I’ve been saying all season, as marketable and a ‘nice guy’ as he is - he’s no Lebron or Kobe. No way either of those to don’t get to double digit wins running with 4 guys from the local Y. Also, though it’s hard to remember, at his peak, Penny was better than DWade, in my opinion.
Mar.10 at 2:58 pm
People's Princess says:
…
Penny had a definite edge in passing..Wade rebounds very well for a 6′4 guard but Penny wasn’t exactly a slouch..scoring is a definite edge to Wade..i would call it TKO for Wade for making Converse cool again
Mar.10 at 3:04 pm
Co Co says:
And you know what, if Wade didn’t wear that power rangers protective gear under his uniform, maybe he wouldn’t fall down unnecessarily so much. Still trying to get on your nerves Eboy… Where are you?
Mar.10 at 3:09 pm
Harlem_World says:
Also, his mid-range game is okay - not exceptional. Left side of the floor mid-range off glass is not money.
Mar.10 at 3:09 pm
Eboy says:
Uhm, you read my blog piece about Dwyane. You know my feelings, Co Co. I may be a homer, but I’ll call a dude out if he’s bullshi*ting. You can’t get me down anyway, Co Co. Now the Heat get the first pick for sure (I hope).
Mar.10 at 3:12 pm
Eboy says:
Harlem, just for the purpose of asking a question, who ELSE is like Kobe or Lebron? Silly comment, brother. Name me another player in the L currently with either of their skill sets and I’ll give you leahway.
Mar.10 at 3:12 pm
Co Co says:
Haha! Just remember having the worst record will not guarantee you the 1st pick.
Mar.10 at 3:13 pm
TADOne says:
Eboy just likes having more balls then everybody.
Mar.10 at 3:19 pm
Eboy says:
Balls in the hand are better than those being juggled in a mouth. Words to live by kids.
Mar.10 at 3:21 pm
Co Co says:
Ew.
Mar.10 at 3:22 pm
TADOne says:
Too far.
Mar.10 at 3:24 pm
People's Princess says:
The form,the form is money..
Mar.10 at 3:26 pm
Eboy says:
You started it, TAD.
Mar.10 at 3:37 pm
TADOne says:
I know, I blame myself.
Mar.10 at 3:42 pm
Khalid Salaam says:
Co Co is feisty today
Mar.10 at 3:49 pm
Co Co says:
I’m feisty everyday Khalid. You better ask somebody.
Mar.10 at 4:11 pm
Harlem_World says:
Eboy, not a silly comment at all - it wasn’t long ago that the question of ‘who’s better’ was being tossed around with the trifecta of Bron, Kobe and DWade (in his Finals MVP year). Alot of people were high of that Wade Aid. He is unquestionably one of the top talents in the league, but still some distance behind Bron and Kobe. That comparison has been/should be put to bed, much like the Melo/Bron comparison.
Mar.10 at 4:21 pm
Eboy says:
I agree with that logic, Harlem, but both Melo and Wade still have a lot of years to get that “legendary” game together. Remember, Kobe was no great shakes his first few years. Lebron is the anomly of the group. He’s been ridiculous from the jump.
Mar.10 at 4:29 pm
Harlem_World says:
True true. However, I think Kobe’s drive is greater than Wades. That is not to discredit DWade, because as we’ve seen to his detriment, he’s a warrior. But Kobe has that next level killer, which makes him an a**hole off the court, but he’s pretty damn good on the court. Lebron should be left out of these conversations because as you said, he is most definitely Neo in this basketball Matrix. I put Melo way out in the wilderness in this conversation too. He just doesn’t have the heart and hunger to get into this mix.
Mar.10 at 4:31 pm
TADOne says:
“Neo in this basketball Matrix”. Nice. Me likey.
Mar.10 at 4:44 pm
alex z says:
i doesnt matter anyway without wade miami aint gonna change
Mar.10 at 6:14 pm
David says:
Does this mean that Khalid will be joining the Heat when Riley steps out? Or maybe Riley will keep him in-house and silent for a while, like he did to Stan Van Gundy.
Mar.10 at 6:16 pm
Boing Dynasty says:
Penny Hardaway - good commercials + bad commercials = Dwyane Wade
Mar.10 at 8:55 pm
albie1kenobi says:
the difference between lebron and kobe is that lebron makes everything looks effortless. if he simply has ONE all star on his squad, he’d be winning championships. he’s a dynasty all by himself.
oh and i miss the old penny. dude was NBA first team in his early prime.
Mar.10 at 11:23 pm
tealish says:
If I were Miami, I would have suspended him a month ago to get the guy to stop playing. The season was long over before then anyways.
It sucks to watch him play hurt when he’s playing for nothing. That’s not gutting it out like AI has done for countless years, that’s just glaring stupidity.
Mar.11 at 4:48 am
hursty says:
dude, eboy? hello? come on man… lol. it was pretty funny though.
Mar.11 at 12:29 pm
Kevin says:
great piece.. i also think Dwayne Wade wayyy overextended himself in terms of endorsements and appearances following his championship run.. i realize that was a storybook ending that catapulted him to the forefront of public attention and that that was the one chance he had to capitalize on it for monetary gain.. but still, his concentration on the court was def affected and putting additional strain, both emotionally and physically, couldn’t have helped prevent the injuries he suffered…
Mar.11 at 8:24 pm
Steve says:
I SURE HOPE WADE GETS BACK TO PRE-INJURY FORM FOR NEXT YEAR AS HE IS ENTERING THE BEGINNING OF HIS PRIME. HE IS A TRUE GREAT YOUNG PLAYER, VERY SPECIAL TALENT. I SURE HOPE WE GET TO SEE THE SAME DWYANE WADE THAT WE SAW IN HIS FIRST FOUR SEASONS, ESPECIALLY THE 06 AND 07 SEASONS AND THE 05 AND 06 PLAYOFFS, I HOPE WE GET TO SEE THAT WADE AGAIN ASAP STARTING NEXT SEASON……… HE’ll PROBABLY BE EVEN BETTER AS HE IS HEADING INTO THE START OF HIS PRIME AND SHOULD BE MOrE MOTIVATED THEN EVER. THIS REST IS CRUCIAL TO HIM, REST FOR 3 MONTHS TO GET PAST JUMPERS KNEE AND BACK TO 100% HEALTH. THIS IS VERY GOOD, I SURE HOPE WE SEE THE ReAL DWADE AGAIN NeXT YEAR!!!!
Mar.11 at 8:32 pm
Steve says:
I hope D Wade gets back to pre-injury form next year as he’s entering the start of his prime and he plays to the level that he did in his 2nd, 3rd, n 4th seasons in the league for the next 10 years until he’s 35 (the age MJ was when retiring from the Bulls for the last time)… i hope he does that + plays as he did pre-injury and regains that form as he enters his prime. PS: I sure hope he does get healthy and regain his pre-injury form as the special player we saw in the 04, 05, 06 + especially 07 seasons and MOST ESPECIALLY in the 05 + 06 playoffs… he is a GREAT young player. It would be a shame if injuries dont allow him to get back to normal again as he’s entering his prime, only 25 years old… that would be a shame, hes a special talent and very fun to watch especially in big games. One can only hope we see the real DWade again ASAP. It will be a shame if injuries ruin that, as a fan that would REALLY REALLY SUCK, because DWade is a true great young player and a special talent that is VERY VERY VERY fun to watch, especially in big games. He plays the right way, dominates the game without dominating the ball, super-athletic, great first step, good defender, great passer, makes his teammates better….. everything and he’s only 25 years old…………………………………….. as a true diehard fan I hope to GOD that Wade gets back to 100% health and pre-injury form for next season. I really do, and I think all real basketball fans feel the same way.
Mar.11 at 8:48 pm
Maurice Garland says:
yeah…wade is really looking like the next penny…at the least, we can hope it has grant hill type ending…at the least
Mar.11 at 8:56 pm
Steve says:
Kobe was 26 years old coming off knee surgery in 2005 when he put up the worst numbers of his career in his first year without shaq and was on a lottery team that had lost 16 out of 18 games and had a losing streak of 11 games at another point. ………………………………………………………………………………….
And he had Caron Butler and Lamar Odom on his team (Same guys Wade took to the playoffs as a rookie). …………………………………………………………………………………. Dont give me that “If Kobe was in that position” BS. Because Kobe WAS in a very similar situation at a similar age(a year older) and went right to the lottery while putting up career low numbers coming off knee surgery (Minor)with a better supporting cast (MUcH BETTER). …………………………………………………………………………………. Kobe averaged 26.5 points on 43% shooting (Wade: 24.7 ppg on 46% shooting), kobe averaged 4.1 turnovers a night (Wade:4.3 turnovers), Kobe averaged 5.6 apg and 5.9 rpg (Wade: 6.9 apg, 4.7 rpg), and Kobe had a 23.2 PER and 41 mpg (Wade: 22.6 PER, 38 mpg) ………………………………………………………………………………….
Kobe’s team was a 30 win team, Wade’s will finish with about 18, but wAde is a year younger than Kobe was, Wade has a MUCH WORSE supporting cast and a SerIOUS knee injury (Kobe’s was minor), plus Dwyanes shoulder wasnt even mentioned. Both cases are guys in their first year without Shaq.
Mar.11 at 9:04 pm
Steve says:
Dwade was rightfully so compared to the best of the best.
…………………………………………………………………………………. Dude obviously isnt anywhere NEAR the player he was last year. he is injured. …………………………………………………………………………………. He flat-out had the best NBA finals performance a swingman has had since MJ as a YOUNGSTER at only 24 years old. He killed it in the 2005 playoffs and 2006 playoffs.
………………………………………………………………………………….
in 05-06 he was 3rd in the NBA in PER and the best player on a championship team. HE FINISHED 5TH for the MVP award. He is a true franchise player and special talent, an elite player WHEN HEALTHY…….. BEFORE HE GOT INJUrED He WAS ALL OF tHAT. …………………………………………………………………………………. He led the league in PER last year, the number 1 rated player in the league carrying a shaq-less Miami team to a .500 record…. and then he got injured. ……………………………………….. SO THOSE COMPARISONS WERE RIGHTFULLY SO UNTIL HE GOT HURT…………………………….. I JUST HOPE AND PRAY TO GOD THAT HE gETS BACK TO PRE-INJURY FORM aNd 100% HEALTH ASAP AND HAS A LONG AND HEALTHY CAREER SO US AS fANs DONT HAVE to MISS OUT oN WHAT OWULD BE a TRUE GREAT PLAYER GOING INTO THE START OF HIS PRIME!!!
Mar.12 at 6:08 pm
raindrops says:
wade’s a dumbass. kobe 4 life!!!
Mar.14 at 8:47 pm
jmac says:
why wade why the heat are bad enough with you now they will be worse actually why should i be surprised i new this would happen it happened last year
Mar.18 at 11:46 am
juju says:
wud d-wade u should get traded next year becaause the heat suck and u should get traded to the bulls u still is raw dough