Miami Heat Back In A Flash

Since Michael Jordan stepped away from basketball for the final time in 2003, NBA enthusiasts have tried to annoint the "next Mike". In case you haven't considered him before in this discussion, insert the name Dwyane Wade. Wade single-handedly removed the Heat from the verge of playoff extinction last night with a spectacular perfomance that re-defined clutch. He tied a playoff career high with 42 points, along with a personal best 13 rebounds. As if that wasn't enough, he did it on a bum knee and with five personal fouls. Despite those obstacles he continued to attack the basket and make the unique plays that have transformed the former Marquette superstar in to a premiere NBA two man. More importantly, he did most of his damage when his team needed him the most. In the fourth quarter he poured in 15 points and grabbed several key rebounds. He led the Heat back from a 13 point deficit in the fourth quarter to a critical two point victory. His points came in a variety of ways; taking hard at the rim, tough mid-range jumpers and even from beyond the arc. Fittingly, he touched the ball last as he broke up a pass at the rim intended for Josh Howard.

Discussion of the 2003 draft class usually focuses around LeBron and Carmelo. As difficult as it is for me to admit as a rabid Anthony supporter, Wade continues to distance himself from the former Cuse star and makes a compelling argument for being top of the class. While LeBron continues to be a triple-double threat each night and displayed late game abilities in this year's postseason, Wade's clutch scoring ability may make him the brightest of the three stars. In the pantheon of NBA greats, it is the natural scorers and world champions who are held with the highest regard. At this early stage of their careers, give the nod to number three. These three special players will continue to draw comparisons to the great quarterback crop of the 1983 NFL draft of Marino, Elway, and Kelly. Amazingly, twenty years from now the '03 boys may leave a greater legacy in their sport than those three passing greats.