The Miami Heat are preparing to defend their NBA title while chasing a three-peat and NBA history. Heat players are reportedly feeling really optimistic entering the playoffs because they’ll have a healthy Dwyane Wade.
The Heat made it clear from the beginning of the season that preserving the health of its players was the top priority this season.
Wade entered last years playoffs with a knee injury, and it almost cost the Heat a championship. Between a knee procedure last summer and prescribed rest this season, the Heat training staff has been able to control his chronic tendonitis. Wade missed 28 games this season, including nine in a row in April. Those ‘PTO’ days were planned, and not a distraction like they were so many times last season.
While discuss the Heats first round playoff series against the Bobcats, Wade told the Miami Herald that the missed games were no big deal, and that the stars get paid millions for this time of year.
“That’s why they pay us the big buck — for this time of year.”