Fansided

Dwyane Wade: Miami Heat can’t replace LeBron James

By Sam Richmond

May 24, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat forward LeBron James (right) and Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade (3) both take a breather during a game against the Miami Heat in game three of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
May 24, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat forward LeBron James (right) and Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade (3) both take a breather during a game against the Miami Heat in game three of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Miami Heat players and coaches spoke optimistically at media day about their team’s chances to succeed this season with LeBron James now in Cleveland.

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However, even Heat legend Dwyane Wade was willing to admit that Miami will feel LeBron’s absence and that his ability can’t be replaced.

From Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel:

"“There’s no hangover,” he said. “Everyone is the organization had the time to get used to the idea it’s going to be a different team. We can’t replace LeBron; it’s going to be a different team.”"

But not being able to replace James won’t be a problem for Miami, considering that’s not the team’s goal, according to coach Erik Spoelstra.

"“I think it’s a dangerous thing to try to plug in and fill in spots that are not there this year,” he said.    Instead, Spoelstra spoke of the possibilities of newcomers such as Luol Deng, Josh McRoberts and Danny Granger.   Spoelstra wouldn’t go as far as calling James as “irreplaceable.”   “I don’t know,” he said. “We’ll just have to see.”"

The fact of the matter is the Heat aren’t going to be as strong this year and no one can really argue that.

Luol Deng is a solid player and it’s possible Danny Granger has some sort of career revitalization in Miami, but the Heat used to be rely on 27.1 points, 6.9 rebounds and 6.4 assists per game along with stellar defense from its starting small forward.

That such production is gone is a huge problem for Miami, no matter how you try to slice it.

The Heat desperately need monster seasons from Wade and Chris Bosh if it is to remain one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference without James.

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