Dwyane Wade was the subject to a summer of rumors over where he would play this season. And having answered those questions by linking back up with LeBron James and signing for the Cleveland Cavaliers, the three-time NBA champion’s future is once again the subject of much discussion. The question is now just what role Wade will have with the Cavs, and how head coach Tyronn Lue and, perhaps more importantly, LeBron James see him fitting into this team. Rather than the main man who led the Miami Heat to three championships, Wade is widely expected to spend this season as a supporting member of this team.
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“Dwyane Wade and LeBron James” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by Keith Allison
With James, Kevin Love, Derrick Rose, and Isaiah Thomas all on the roster, it’s looking increasingly likely that Wade will be the player Lue brings off the bench, although that’s not to say he won’t have a major role to play. One of the most versatile point guards in the league, the veteran will be able to slip into a number of different roles if needed, and the 35-year old has already shown during the preseason that he is still a very capable player. In a team that is aiming for one thing and one thing only this season, having someone with the talent and experience of Wade may end up being one of the best signings of the summer.
With so much talent on the roster, both starting and on the bench, it’s no surprise to see the Cavs as such overwhelming favorites to top the Eastern Conference as we head into the new regular season. In terms of the championship, though, the Golden State Warriors are again expected to go all the way and retain their crown. With odds of around 5/1 to go on and become NBA champions this season, you could do a lot worse than take advantage of a free bet or similar promotion and back the Cavs to upset the odds. Wade may well be key to that, and the early signs are certainly very promising.
In his opening two preseason appearances for the Cavs, Wade averaged 13.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.0 steals a game, shooting 61.9 percent from the field and 50 percent from the three-point line. As well as proving he is still a top level shooting guard, Wade’s early form for Cleveland also shows just how well he fits into this Cavs’ offense. With fellow new signing Jae Crowder also hitting his stride with 12.5 points and 3.5 rebounds a game, LeBron may have the support he needs to deliver another championship to Cleveland this season.
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“Dwyane Wade” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by Keith Allison
At this stage in his career, Wade will have been excited to be able to join a team that will be competing for a championship. One thing we know about Wade is that he knows how to win, and that will be an important attribute to have this season.