Maybe we could sweep in and take Wade this summer? He's a bit long in the tooth, but would certainly attract another FA like Love and get our rebuild jump -started. I would just love to stick it to Riley.
I know a lot of Celtics fans have a lot of hatred, and dislike him. But I would absolutely love to bring in Wade.
Does anyone remember 2006? The year he averaged 16 FTA per game? Let me put it this way in terms of how crazy it is to have accumulated that many free throw attempts versus the Mavericks in '06. James Harden led the playoffs with 11.1 FTA, and Wade averaged 16.6 in the '06 finals.
Now he doesn't do that anymore. In fact, the reason why I love Wade back then, and now; is his ability to adapt and change his game to suit his nagging injury history, and function more as a finesse player. Hes taking more floaters, more post ups, and taking more carefully deviating shots. Hes not getting to the free throw line as much, but hes scoring 21.5 PPG, 1.2 SPG, 4.8 APG, and 3.5 RPG.
Hes doing it in under 36 minutes.
In his first season without LeBron since 2009-2010, Wade is averaging 21.6 points on 31.9 minutes per game—which is equivalent to 24.4 points per 36 minutes, or 0.5 points per 36 more than his career average of 23.9.
He's also shooting 48.1 percent from the field, which is only slightly below his career average of 49.1.
In other words, Wade is still putting the ball in the basket at the same level of efficiency. The volume has decreased only because his minutes have as well.
In terms of his tactical approach, the only real difference between then and now is that Wade has improved his touch around the rim, thereby eliminating the need to draw contact and put his body at constant risk.
Wade has always been the high rising, and dunking in your face type of player in the past. But he has shown that like all great HoF players, if you don't adapt, then you simply die down. Wade refused to die down, and has worked on weaknesses in his game, and worked it to a T.
I would throw some money at him, and see if he would like to try to go for a ring. I still think a healthy Wade is a top 10 SG. And having any player that is top 10 in any position is extremely important. I would go as far as to say Wade has been one of the most underrated shooting guards of all time, especially on the passing end next to Ginobili.
Possibly sign and trade one of our bigs in KO or Sully for Wade.
I know its blasphemous, but bring in Pierce. Pierce and Wade would be the perfect complimentary veterans that still got some gas left in the tank, and mentor our young players.
Either way Wade was one of the most dominant finishers and dunkers in the game, especially on a fast break, next to Vince Carter. I feel like players like Wade, Bryant, Dirk, Duncan, KG, etc, all have something to give to the younger players in terms of molding and showing them the right steps to succeed in the NBA.
I would like to think a healthy Wade with plenty of rest for the playoffs, is a important piece, and that complimentary Allstar. If Love came here, I would try to bring in Wade/Pierce, and immediately try to find a Center.