I am a fan of D-Wade, too, and really glad to see he's won over another Raptors fan. Really, his entire career, I have been thinking, this guy just doesn't get enough respect and recognition because of Lebron James - someone always turns the conversation to James, or starts and ends it with him. Frankly, I would have given Wade the MVP over Nowitzki in 2007 and over James in 2009, and would 100% prefer to have had him be the foundation of my franchise, starting in 2003, over any other player in the league. His defense is really underappreciated by a lot of people - his footwork is very good, his timing is excellent, and his anticipation is the stuff of legend. Additionally, he has always been able to find the 'killer' when the moment calls for it, and few other players have been able to get there, and even fewer can back off that attitude when their team needs calmer leadership; even
fewer have been able to be in that zone defensively when their team needs it. Lastly, the way he has shifted his game in response to an early-career injury (and the unfortunate surgical decision that went with it), shows that he's a "master" of the game of basketball, in the sense that Phil Jackson likes to use the expression.
Before Toronto had an NBA franchise I was mostly a Bulls' fan, but always loved the Heat teams with Zo and Tim Hardaway; Rice was fun to watch, too - on the playground I would try to copy the form of his shot. Rony Seikaly on NBA Jam. There has been massive pressure on the Raptors (or Leafs, or Blue Jays) to win a championship, so a playoff exit, even a somewhat deserved one, is painful and difficult to accept (even if it
is expected). That said, if the Raptors were to have lost in one of the first two rounds this season, doing so at the feet of masterful performances by Dwyane Wade would have been one of very few ways to cushion the blow. He's good enough, and likable enough, that I can accept it, even get some enjoyment from watching it. I didn't really care for the Heat when James joined the team, or how he joined the team, or how he sort of commandeered the franchise and headlines, when I always felt it was Wade's team first, and that his leadership, his focus and energy, would be best for everyone, on and off the court. It's nice to see him get his team back, and I would love to see him win another championship without James. For my money, Wade is the best all-around guard of the last 20 years, and only second to Duncan for best player. Even that's close. D-Wade's ability to both play and carry himself with flair
and class - with the utmost confidence
and endearingly appropriate humility - is beautiful to see, and represents some of my favourite things about basketball in particular, and sport in general.
Don_Draper wrote:First of all...congrats for another great season...you guys have a ton to look forward to....you have quietly put together an amazing and scary good young core.
But that's not why I am here... I had to drop by to say, DWade has made himself a new die hard fan north of the border...
This guy is amazing on and off the court. Wish I had watched more of him while he was younger...
This Vine was basically the point in the series that I realized DWade is the reason why I love this game.
Hats off to you DWade (no pun intended)..Doesn't matter that your team lost today and lost this series...You are a true champion.
Respect!
