Golden State Warriors: Dwyane Wade isn’t a threat on any team
The Golden State Warriors won’t be too concerned with the team that Dwyane Wade chooses to sign with because he isn’t the player he once was.
Dwyane Wade is the third greatest shooting guard of all-time. I would hear an argument that his peak might be the second best at his position, behind only Michael Jordan. That’s how great Wade has been.
Unfortunately for the Marquette product, those days are behind him. He’s nearly fifteen years into his career and he doesn’t have a lot left in the tank. Knee injuries that date back to college have really sped up the natural declining process.
Wade has reached a buyout agreement with the Chicago Bulls. He returned home to Chicago and what was originally a feelgood story quickly turned into a disaster. His poor play combined with Chicago’s brass’ incompetence made that reunion an ugly one. So both sides decided it was best to part ways with one year left on Wade’s contract.
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At 35-years-old, Wade doesn’t have anything left to prove. He has three championships and a place waiting for him in the Hall of Fame. At 35-years-old, he also doesn’t have a whole lot left in the tank.
Wade can go anywhere he wants right now. There are teams that have interest in him. Ultimately, it doesn’t matter which team he chooses, he doesn’t pose a threat to the Warriors in any system at this point in his career.
If he returns to the Miami Heat, it won’t make a difference. The Heat aren’t making any noise in the Eastern Conference right now. They just aren’t good enough.
There are three contenders that he could sign with: the San Antonio Spurs, the Oklahoma City Thunder, and the Cleveland Cavaliers. None of those teams would be lifted over the Golden State Warriors with his arrival. His skill set isn’t conducive to beating the Warriors right now.
Wade can’t space the floor. He doesn’t defend anymore. His athleticism is greatly diminished.
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While he can offer playmaking and valuable intangibles like veteran leadership, his discernible skills shouldn’t bother Golden State too much. Though he still managed to put up a decent line of 18.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.8 assists, he’s not an off-ball threat to Golden State’s elite defense. He also doesn’t possess the quickness to bother Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, or Kevin Durant for extended periods of time anymore.
Wade was once one of the league’s best players, but not anymore. He isn’t a threat to Golden State at all so his eventual deal with one of those teams won’t tip the scales. If anything, relying too much on Wade, who will be 36 by the time the Finals roll around, could hurt them.