Dwyane Wade Says He’s Ahead of Schedule in Knee Rehab


Dwyane Wade’s surgically-repaired left knee feels pretty good these days, so much so that the Miami Heat superstar guard thinks it’s ahead of schedule. From ESPN: “Wade said Tuesday his knee responded well to his first game action and extended plane travel during the Heat’s seven-day trip to China last week. Wade also participated in Tuesday’s full practice and scrimmage sessions in the team’s first workout since returning from the trip. After sitting out of the Heat’s Oct. 7 preseason opener against Atlanta, Wade started both exhibition games against the Los Angeles Clippers. He played more than 23 minutes in Wednesday’s win against the Clippers and then played a little more than eight minutes in Sunday’s loss. Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said Tuesday that Wade wasn’t expected to play in both games in China amid the team’s cautious approach with his rehabilitation, but was encouraged by the way the 10-year veteran responded. ‘I feel ahead of schedule,’ Wade said. ‘If I continue to keep progressing, I’m going to try to play as much as possible but try to be smart as well. I want to play Thursday, get back out there and continue to get my legs under me … so I can be ready for opening night.’ The Heat play their season and home opener Oct. 30 against Boston. That’s the game Wade had targeted to be ready for when the Heat started training camp Sept. 29. Wade had arthroscopic surgery July 9 after playing through pain in the knee during the Heat’s playoff run to an NBA title last season. Initially, Wade wasn’t certain how many preseason games he would play in, but he grew more optimistic after the first week of training camp.”