Troy Pierce| September 10th, 2019
Over the weekend it was reported that the recently retired Dwyane Wade would still be involved with NBA basketball in the 2019-20 season.
However, his new role will be in the preparation department as the three-time NBA Champion plans to help friend, and former teammate, LeBron James prepare for games throughout the upcoming season.
Though appearing harmless, Wade did say he plans to stay in playing shape. When asked about a potential return to the NBA he uttered words that should make Lakers’ fans nervous — never say never.
On the surface, it is hardly just an off-the-cuff statement by a former superstar. Wade has been linked with the Los Angeles Lakers many times since James joined Los Angeles, and with LeBron James’ penchant for helping out his friends, Dwyane Wade returning to the court doesn’t seem so unlikely.
The speculation becomes even more troubling when you factor in the many rumors linking Carmelo Anthony and Chris Paul to Los Angeles and the rest of the Banana Boat crew. The foursome has stated on multiple occasions that they would like to share an NBA floor together as teammates. Perhaps that time is coming closer?
While Wade has retired, Anthony seems to be following suit as he is currently without a team for the upcoming season. Chris Paul is currently under contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder despite rumors that he is available on the trade market. The monetary size of his deal makes a buyout unlikely at this point, and likely kills any chances on the Banana Boat crew joining forces on an NBA roster.
Speculation already abounds that Wade could opt to come out of retirement if the Los Angeles Lakers seem like a sure thing this season. With a depth chart loaded with backcourt players, though older, it makes finding a place for Wade on the roster tricky.
Even more so when you factor in Dwyane Wade’s battle-worn knees and inconsistencies shooting beyond the arc — he’s never been a threat to score from a distance, and it is an area where the Lakers are expected fall short again. Signing a player that does not provide help for them in a key area would be a misstep. Wade has never been a particularly good outside shooter, peaking with a 33% rating on just 3.6 attempts from distance per game in his final season.
However, it seems Wade has already shut down any rumors of a return as he had this to say on Twitter:
Kaavia heard these rumors about me coming back. As you can tell she ain’t playing those games. Stop getting me in trouble people. I’m retired asf! I love the game and you will still see me working out & teaching it but that’s to stay in shape. pic.twitter.com/ZTTxxpFdI6
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) September 8, 2019
Perhaps a return isn’t in the cards, but in the words of the 13-time All-Star, never say never.
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