Dwyane Wade’s Rehab On Schedule For Olympic Participation
Back in Miami for the first time since he doused trade rumors that linked him to the Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade insisted Sunday that he is prepared for anything thrown his way these days.
Lately, that has included matters on and off the court.
Wade, who has been training in Chicago to rehabilitate a left-knee injury that cut short his season, said Sunday he has increased his workouts to include 5-on-5 scrimmage games. He remains on pace to participate in the United States national team’s July training camp in advance of the Summer Olympics.
Wade has invited New Orleans Hornets point guard Chris Paul and Denver Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony to Chicago to increase the level of competition in scrimmages.
”I’ve been working real hard. I’m feeling whole,” Wade said during a promotional event at a Publix in Pinecrest with teammate Alonzo Mourning for Zo’s Summer Groove charity events. “I just have to keep it up. Don’t take any steps backwards. I’m just trying to bring more competition to Chicago — bring guys in to help me get my game up to speed, but to also work out with some of my Olympic teammates.”
Mourning, 38, also is making progress in his recovery from season-ending knee surgery. He said Sunday he plans to play one final season, barring any setbacks. He already has received assurances from Heat president Pat Riley and new coach Erik Spoelstra.
”I’m trying to get my body ready for not just the Zo’s Summer Groove game but also next season,” Mourning said. ‘I spoke to Pat, and I spoke to Spo. They told me to get healthy. `We’ll be here. If there’s a spot open, we’ll have it for you.’ ”
Wade had surgery on his knee 13 months ago but continued to battle tendinitis throughout the 2007-08 season. He had a follow-up procedure in March and missed the Heat’s final 21 games. Wade said his knee responded well to his first week of scrimmages.
Addressing trade rumors has been another chore. Wade said he wasn’t surprised by the national buzz that followed when he told the Chicago Tribune last week he heard rumors that he could be dealt to the Bulls.
Chicago has the top pick in the June 26 draft, and Miami picks second. Riley has since reassured Wade he would not be dealt. Wade’s Chicago-based agent, Henry Thomas, also denied the rumor.
But Wade said the chatter might seem ”believable” because of his ties to Chicago and because he could opt out of his contract in summer 2010 to become a free agent.
”I’m in Chicago — that’s where I’m from, [and] it sounds good. It sounds ideal. It sounds believable,” Wade said Sunday. “But I’m a Miami Heat. And I enjoy it. And I’ll enjoy getting us back to the respect we deserve.”
Wade also has seen two close friends linked to similar speculation. Anthony has been mentioned in recent trade talks, and there is growing speculation that the Knicks and the Nets plan to pursue Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James should he opt out in 2010.
Wade said dealing with questions about his future have become routine.
”I started getting [questions] last year,” Wade said. “So I know, this year, it’s going to be a little bit more. Next year is going to be even more, and [2010] is going to be hectic. When [2010] comes, I’ll deal with it. Right now, I have a big job in front of me these next two years. Two years is a long time, but it’s also a short time.”
For now, the focus is on health and helping the Heat quickly recover from a 15-67 season, which matched the franchise’s worst record.
”My main thing is to make sure the Heat stays competitive,” Wade said. “Make sure I’m healthy enough to make sure we’re competitive, and make sure the guys we bring in understand what we’re trying to do.”
- Miami Herald
