You probably have read reports that Dwyane Wade’s recovery from his shoulder surgery may force him to miss this year’s training camp and could miss the start of the regular season. Wade is arguably a Top 6 fantasy pick and with him dropping to the 9th pick it makes him a reasonable gamble. I like to compare it to taking the sexy, smart, athletic, talented valedictorian to your prom. She is not only easy on the eyes; she has a great sense of humor, cool with your friends and likes your parents. She is pretty darn close to the complete package. Imagine on prom night, you go over to her house to pick her up and you end up waiting two hours for her to get ready - would you kick her to the curb?  Probably not unless you have aspirations to mold your life after Andy Stitzer, the 40 year-old Virgin.  Better late then never to the prom. It is not certain how many games he may miss at the beginning of the regular season, but when Wade does play he is a fantasy stat stuffer. 

Check out Dwyane Wade’s stats from last year and last year’s article.

’06-‘07 – 27.4 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 7.5 apg, 2.1 spg, 1.2 bpg, 0.4 threes, 4.2 topg, 49.1 FG%, 80.8 FT%

Funny you don’t see Wade’s numbers amongst last year’s league leaders. The NBA does not list stats unless the player played the minimum number of games or attained certain targets. The game played for a players’ stats to be listed amongst the leaders is 70 games which Wade only played in 51 games last year. The target totals to obtain in points, assists and steals are 1400 points, 400 assists and 125 steals. Wade’s last year’s total were 1397 points, 384 assists and 107 steals. If Wade’s numbers were compared to the league leaders, he would be 4th in league scoring ahead of LeBron James’ 27.3 points, 8th in assists ahead of Chauncey Billups’ 7.2 assists, and tied for the league lead in steals with Ron Artest with 2.1 steals. Oh yeah, Wade’s 1.2 blocks would be leading all guards. 

Dwyane Wade’s slashing styles is his strength and weakness. Wade’s ability to get the hole and finish strong is one reason for his success. His great FG% and his 10.5 free throw attempts/game is a testimonial to his abilities. When Wade is driving to the hole, the defense reacts and collapses to help. With defenses focused in on Wade it leaves Heat team members free for an open shot. Many of Wade’s assists are results from his forays to the hoops.

If your fantasy league counts turnovers then Wade’s 4.2 T.O./game will be tough pill to swallow. Wade does so many good things that you need to take your lumps with the turnovers. Wade was supposedly working on a three point shot, but his 0.4 threes/game and 26.6% 3pt% proves that he still needs a little more work. If he can develop his three-point shooting then it will make him more dangerous offensively and fantasy-wise, possibly a Top 3 fantasy pick. The reason for his success is also the reason he gets hurt often. Wade has never played a full season during his NBA tenure and may not play a full season this year. Dwyane had surgery on his shoulder on May 15 and the original prognosis was that the recovery time will take six months. That will make his return around November 15. The NBA season usually starts in the beginning of November. Best case scenario is that Wade will only miss a handful of games at the beginning of the season. Wade is a warrior and if he can suit up he will. Expect some rust when Wade does return to the court because he may miss training camp.

Don’t be surprised if Dwyane Wade drops in your fantasy league. Many wary fantasy owners may avoid Wade because of his shoulder injury, but don’t sleep on Wade if he drops down to you late in the first round. Just remember my prom analogy and Wade could be taking your fantasy team to the big dance at the end of the year! 

Previous Picks This Round

1.1. Lebron James, SF, Cleveland Cavaliers
1.2. Kobe Bryant, SG, Los Angeles Lakers
1.3. Shawn Marion, SF/PF, Phoenix Suns
1.4. Kevin Garnett, PF, Minnesota Timberwolves  
1.5. Dirk Nowitzki, PF, Dallas Mavericks
1.6. Gilbert Arenas, PG, Washington Wizards
1.7. Steve Nash, PG, Phoenix Suns
1.8. Amare Stoudemire, PF/C, Phoenix Suns