The Miami Heat got a win against the Boston Celtics on Tuesday night after suffering through a grueling road trip that saw the defending champs lose three-straight games. On top of that, Dwyane Wade missed three-straight games due to his continues knee problems. As injuries begin to mount, LeBron James is concerned this could be a real issue moving froward.
Wade has missed 12 of a possible 42 games this season because of his knee problems. The Heat were hoping these issues might be behind Wade after the guard underwent shock-wave therapy to help keep him on the court longer. Without Wade, the Heat is missing that wing shooter presence and James admits things have ben tough as Wade and others continue to go in and out of the lineup.
"With some of the guys being in and out, and with the concern with D-Wade, it's been tough on all of us trying to fill that," James said, via ESPN.com. "We've just got to be able to do a little bit more consistently, and go in with the mindset sometimes that he's not playing instead of [he is] playing."
Wade's inconsistencies are not just hurting Miami, they are also hurting his numbers on the court. Against the Philadelphia 76ers, he had just eight points in 25 minutes. He also struggled against Washington on Wednesday, missing 7 of 11 shots and again putting up just eight points. James has been supportive of the periodic rest Wade has been receiving, but he does not understand why things are not improving.
"I'm not a doctor. I'm only a player, man," James said. "I don't know the [therapy] program he's on. I do know that his knee, if he's feeling good, he's going to play. If he's not feeling good, he doesn't play. For me as one of the leaders on this team, I've got to make sure the guys that are prepared to play are ready to play. When D-Wade is ready to come back, then that's what it is."
In the meantime, the Heat have considered trading for a wing shooter to help out when Wade is off the court. NBA analyst David Aldridge reports that while the Heat have already made one trade with Joel Anthony, they are expected to acquire at least one more player before the trade deadline in order to stay right with the Indiana Pacers in the race for the Eastern Conference.
Wade's injuries could also impact more than just the current season for the Miami Heat. Both James and Chris Bosh can opt out of their contracts this season and test free agency. The health status of Wade could greatly impact their decisions in the offseason. While it might not be the biggest factor in the decision process, it is at least something for both players to consider.
