Dwyane Wade appeared in just 54 games last season as a part of maintenance program put in place to make sure he remained healthy. With LeBron James gone from the Miami Heat, and the team’s margin for error in the regular season diminished, Wade isn’t going to be able to repeat such a plan if the Heat are to remain a top team in the Eastern Conference.
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Wade seems aware of this and told Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald that he plans to play in 75-plus games next season and he’s dieting to put himself in the type of shape necessary to do so.
"Asked if he expects to play in 75-plus games, Wade indicated that is the plan.He hopes coming to camp lighter will reduce some of the load on his knees. While declining to divulge details, he said his weight is lower than at the start of training camp last season and he will continue to lose more. He’s doing it by following the Paleo diet that was used last summer by Ray Allen, who recommended it to Wade and James."
Wade averaged 19.0 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4.7 assists this past season, but will obviously be asked to do more next season. Because of his poor performance in the NBA Finals this past season, many are doubting whether Wade will perform up to par, which is fueling the three-time NBA champion.
"“I need it, I need it,” he said Friday of doubts about whether he can handle a bigger load."
With James no longer a teammate, Wade has the opportunity to show plenty of people he’s still a top player. Whether he’s able to accomplish that goal should be one of the more interesting story lines next season.