The Summer of Answers: Dwyane Wade Is the Third Biggest Cornerstone

The Summer of Answers takes on every NBA question you've ever wanted to ask ... such as, "Which player would you build a franchise around?"

We've seen countless young players wilt under the pressure of being labeled "the next Michael Jordan." Grant Hill couldn't live up to it, Vince Carter has left fans wanting and Harold Miner (remember "Baby Jordan?") never deserved it in the first place. Some people think LeBron is worthy, though that doesn't quite fit as he's in the middle of creating his own legacy. To me, the one player who most resembles a modern-day MJ is Dwyane Wade.

It sounds trite and cliche, but he's simply a winner. He took an unheralded Marquette team to the Final Four in college and led the Heat to the second-round of the playoffs as a rookie. Once Shaq was on board, it took just two more tries to win a title, becoming the first of the celebrated class of 2003 to win a title (in the non-Darko division, at least).

Pros: What makes him one of the most dangerous players in the league is his absolute lack of fear. He throws his body into paint no matter how many people stand between him and the basket, and most of the time he comes up with points -- he's perhaps the best finisher in the league around the rim, and when he can't find the bucket he relies on his superstar status with the refs: he led the league last year by attempting 10.5 free throws a game. Even though he can seemingly score at will, he's also an adept playemaker for his teammates: filling in at point guard for a big chunk of the year, he averaged 7.5 assists to go with 27.4 points per game, both career-high marks. His defense is strong, as well, chipping in a couple of steals and a block each game.

Cons: Wade's fearless drives come at a cost: he gets so banged up that he's already missed 64 regular season games in four years, an average of 16 a season. He returned from surgeries to his left knee and shoulder in time for the playoffs last year, but it was all for nothing as the Heat were still swept in the first round. If he's going to last another decade or so he'll need to learn how to take a hit and land on his feet. Also, he needs to extend his range -- he's a career 24.9% shooter from three-point land, which is actually quite embarrassing for a shooting guard.

Final Verdict: Although questions about his durability persist, there are very few players with his combination of experience and potential. Plus, a team starting from scratch would have to appreciate the fact that Wade can excel at both backcourt positions. For all he's accomplished, he should continue to get better, especially as he extends his game. Don't forget: even Jordan was primarily a slasher early in his career before eventually adding legitimate three-point range.

NBA Cornerstones:
Kobe is the Biggest Cornerstone
LeBron is the 2nd Biggest Cornerstone
Duncan is the 4th Biggest Cornerstone
Melo is the 5th Biggest Cornerstone
Steve Nash is the 6th Biggest Cornerstone

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

8-29-2007 @ 2:49PM

Daniel said...

So that leaves Kobe and Dirk has having yet to be heard from. How the hell can you rationalize Melo, Chris Paul and Steve Nash above either of those guys?

8-29-2007 @ 2:52PM

PHZ-Sicks said...

I never understood all the Wade love. I think he is one of the most overrated players in the league. Miami got their championship against a choking Mavs. If the had they to face the Spurs or even the Suns, I doubt they would've won it.

Wade is just getting good at the line, but his shooting is horrible. If you can stop him from penetrating, he's not effective. I think if teams exploit that, he has no chance and look out for if he makes the 2008 USA team. The zone will kill him

8-30-2007 @ 2:59AM

Mikey P said...

Dwyane Wade is ABSOLUTELY the BEST player in the NBA. The only p;ayer who even comes close is Kobe Bryant. Wade has the most amazing all around basketball game since Michael Jordan. His slashing thunderous yet graceful attacks on the basket are nothing short of amazing. Every game, Dwyane wade has shocked the NBA world with at least one "HOW THE HECK DID HE DO THAT!" shot or a "DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMN THAT'S NASTY!" shot. With the addition of the 3-point shot, he will eventually be untouchable. As you can see if you've been following his career & stats (which most of the ignorant people who have been posting obviously haven't), Wade has been increasing in numbers in almost EVER CATEGORY each year he has been in the league and if he didn't get hurt last year, would DEFINATELY be in the hunt for another ring & in the hunt for an MVP award to go with that amazing finals MVP. Keep your eye on this guy, he's not your regular fly-by-night NBA player... He's D WADE enough said...

9-02-2007 @ 4:56PM

Anthony Wilson said...

Wade is kind of unique. He's doing the same things as MJ, Kobe, and Lebron, only at 6-4. How many 6-4 guards you know who've averaged more than a block a game even once? Wade's done it twice in four years. He's fearless, he's clutch, he's clearly improved his mid-range game, he gets other guys involved, he's active defensively, he's shot 48% for his career...what more do you want. And I think the durability thing is overrated...I'll give you the 21 games he missed his rookie year (even though I don't remember how he got hurt) but what happened to his shoulder last year was a freak injury. It had nothing to do with him throwing his body around or being reckless, that could've happened to anybody. I have no worries about Wade, he's here for the long haul.