Boca Raton (CBS 12) -
'One Last Dance' started with one first practice on Tuesday for Miami Heat mega-star Dwayne Wade, as The Miami Heat kicked off training camp at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton. The young players on the Heat are eager to play an important part in making Wade's final season a successful one for the team.
Most importantly, the Miami Heat had Dwayne Wade in Boca Raton, just over a week after announcing this would be his final season. Wade found himself working hard, and soaking in everything that is Miami Heat training camp.
"Miami Heat (camp) is just different," says Wade with a smile. "Today is the day everyone just comes in, and you get it all out of your system, And now with the intensity we've got to bring (over the next few days), we've also got to bring our minds.":
There is a different feel to practice when Dwyane Wade is involved, his leadership skills are irreplaceable according to Coach Spoelstra, but you have to be careful not to use the term 'coaching qualities'.
"We signed him to be a player, he's not a coach," says Spoelsta with a smile. "And that's why his leadership is so much more impactful. He has 15 years of experience. He's seen everything on this league"
"I think D-Wade does a good job of asking questions," says Hassan Whiteside. "Not only for himself, but for the people around him, for guys who are kind of tentative to ask those questions. It's a great way to show leadership."
"I know how I'm perceived and how we're perceived as an organization," adds Wade. "So any guy who comes in here, it's automatic that I'm going to give them whatever I feel that's needed. I have more knowledge in this than anything else in life, so I'm comfortable knowing I can pass that down."
And he's hoping to show that off at this Saturday morning's public scrimmage in Boca Raton.
Source: CBS 12