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AUBURN HILLS, MI – APRIL 4: Dwyane Wade #3 of the Miami Heat looks to move the ball against the Detroit Pistons. (Getty Images)
While the Lakers are discussing parameters for how much they plan to exert Kobe Bryant this year, Dwyane Wade and the Heat are nowhere near that type of conversation.
Coming off a season in which his health seemed to modestly improve, Miami coach Erik Spoelstra said today that Wade goes into his 13th year intent on playing as much as possible.
“Dwyane has to be our leader,” Spoelstra said. “He’s grown in that role and with new veteran players, everybody naturally turns to Dwyane as the cornerstone of our franchise and they turn to (Chris Bosh) and they turn to (Udonis Haslem). He’s fully accepted that responsibility.
“Dwyane is coming into this season ready for whatever challenges it brings, and I’m not coaching him with restrictions in mind. We’ll adapt and be aware of anything that may come up as the season goes on.”
Wade averaged 21.5 points, 4.8 assists and 3.5 rebounds per game while shooting 47 percent. He logged a career-low 31.8 minutes, but played 62 games (up from 54 the previous year).
Image may be NSFW.Sidenote:
Here is what Spoelstra said about the offseason contract drama with Wade: “The best part about that process was I was able to go on vacation. I can’t imagine coaching a Miami Heat basketball team without Dwyane Wade in uniform. That’s how I felt when I went on vacation and when I came back from vacation he was committed to the Heat. Nothing changed. I was able to enjoy my vacation.”
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