Dwyane Wade doesn’t want blame if LeBron James leaves Miami Heat
The Miami Heat, who have a 3-1 series lead over the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals, are just one win away from advancing to the NBA Finals for the fourth consecutive season.
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Back in 2010, when LeBron James and Chris Bosh joined Dwyane Wade in Miami, this is what they envisioned.
They lost to the Dallas Mavericks in six games in 2011 NBA Finals, but took down the Oklahoma City Thunder in five games in 2012, then defeated the San Antonio Spurs in seven games in 2013.
This year, they’ve had an easier time in the playoffs. They took down the Charlotte Bobcats (who are now the Charlotte Hornets) in a four-game sweep, then defeated the Brooklyn Nets in just fives games, giving them a record of 11-2 thus far.
One of the reasons the team has had so much success in the postseason is the health of Wade.
“It’s enjoyable not to deal with what I had to deal with,” Wade told Jeff Zillgitt of USA TODAY Sports. “That’s most enjoyable — knowing I can help my team this year in ways I couldn’t do at this time last season.”
Although Wade’s health will almost certainly impact what James does in the offseason, he doesn’t want to take the blame if James decides not to re-sign with the Heat.
“Just don’t solely put it on me,” Wade said, laughing. “That’s what I’m saying. Don’t put the X on me. … There’s a lot that goes into, so just don’t say, ‘If Dwyane Wade doesn’t have the year that we’re accustomed to, it’s over.”
Wade played in just 54 games in the regular season, but has played in all 13 playoff games and is averaging 19.2 points, 3.9 assists, 3.4 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game.