Empty the Bench

Battling shoulder and knee injuries, it’s been nearly two full years since we’ve seen Dwyane Wade’s MVP form. He’s back and better than ever. After torching the Charlotte Bobcats for 41 last night he’s averaging career highs points (29.5), assists (7.5), steals (2.3!), blocks (1.7!), threes (0.9), and field-goal percentage (49.9%). Those of you who gambled and used a first-round pick on the oft-injured guard have been handsomely rewarded with the best player in fantasy hoops.

Back in October we said of the Southwest, “Barring a superhuman effort from D-Wade (and after watching the Olympics, let’s not be too hasty to rule it out) the division figures to be headed up once again by the Magic of Orlando and the Bullets of Washington.” Flash is bringing the superheroics. The Wizards? Not so much. Miami is currently an impressive 12-9 and sits in the Eastern Conference’s 7th seed. They’re also a hell of a lot of fun to watch with Wade, Shawn Marion and super-rookies Michael Beasley and Mario Chalmers running the floor like a herd of antelopes.

If you need any further proof that Wade’s explosiveness and hops are back in full, just ask Emeka Okafor for his expert opinion on Flash’s posterizing skills…

Hat tip to The Hoop Doctors for the find