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Wade expected to return soon
Although there is no timetable for his return, Dwyane Wade was cleared to play after recovering from knee and shoulder surgeries.
Posted on Sat, Nov. 03, 2007
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BY MICHAEL WALLACE
[email protected]
INDIANAPOLIS --
Dwyane Wade's return from offseason knee and shoulder surgeries apparently will come sooner than expected.
Wade has been cleared by Heat team physician Harlan Selesnick to participate in ''competitive play'' and could begin to practice full speed with the team as soon as Monday.
Heat coach Pat Riley would not set a specific date for Wade's return to game action, but said the team's leading scorer is on his way back.
Wade, 25, wasn't expected to be cleared for contact drills until Nov. 15 -- six months from the date he had the double surgeries. But Wade recently has increased the intensity of his daily workouts. He also has a history of returning early from injuries.
''Once this switch has been hit, it will change his mind-set as far as really prepping to get ready,'' Riley said before Friday's game against the Pacers. ``He's been going through practices competitively, but not really getting at it. Guys have been very cautious with him. Now, it's going to be all out.''
Wade did not travel with the Heat to Indiana, but told at least one of his teammates after Thursday's loss to the Pistons that he was set to return.
''He was icing his knee [Thursday] -- and had a big smile on his face,'' forward Dorell Wright said. ``A lot of people are going to be fooled who said they don't know how he's going to be when he comes back.''
How long it might take Wade to return to form is uncertain.
He said as recently as last week that he would like to go through about a week of practices before playing in a game.
Under that time frame, Wade could be on the court for the Heat's Nov. 11 road game against the Knicks.
Wade dislocated his left shoulder in a Feb. 21 loss at Houston, but chose not to have season-ending surgery. After six weeks of therapy, Wade returned late in the season.
He had the surgeries two weeks after the Bulls swept the Heat in the first round of the playoffs.
Wade averaged 27.4 points and 7.5 assists -- career highs -- despite missing 30 games with injuries.
Ricky Davis, acquired in a trade two weeks ago, has been starting at shooting guard in Wade's absence but will move to small forward when he returns. Center Alonzo Mourning said he isn't surprised that Wade is pushing hard through the final stages of his rehabilitation process.
''He's our super hero -- we get our best player back,'' Mourning said. ``It's torture [sitting out] when you see the difference you can make on the court. I know. I've been there.''
"Sports Do Not Build Character, They Reveal It." - John Wooden
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