Basketball - Dwayne Wade May Return This Season

Dwayne Wade’s dislocated left shoulder is so delicate that he could aggravate the injury in his sleep. However, Wade thinks that he would be ready for the playoffs in April. Wade has decided to delay having a surgery and rehabilitating his shoulder because he wants to return to help Miami Heat defend their league title.

In a news conference, Wade said that he had plans of making it for the playoffs but would have to wait to see the outcome of the therapy. He said that he might not be able to attack the way he used to do or dive on the floor, but he would have to wait and find out how his body is responding to the rehabilitation.

The possibility of Wade returning for the playoffs was good news for the Heat as a lot of players are having injuries. However, there is no guarantee that Wade would be able to return this season even with rest and therapy.

However, coach Pat Riley is happy just thinking about the possibility of Wade’s return. He thinks that Wade would be a good player even if he uses just one arm for playing.

The Heat were 3-2 since Wade hurt himself on February 21, 2007 after he collided with Houston’s Shane Battier. Before his injury, Wade was the league's third leading scorer and was averaging 28.8 points.

Wade underwent extensive tests and received a second opinion from specialist Dr. James Andrews before he decided that he would try to return.

If therapy goes well, Wade might be able to return for the last few regular season games before the playoffs begin on April 21, 2007. Even if he does return, he might still have to have a surgery after the season. The recovery time after the surgery is expected to around four to six months.