Miami Heat Rumors
Anthony Chiang: Dion Waiters missed practice today due to personal reasons. Third consecutive day of practice he has missed.
Count Heat legend Dwyane Wade among those thoroughly impressed by Heat first-round draft pick Tyler Herro. “Just from summer league, right away, you know a basketball player when you see one; the kid can play basketball,” Wade said Saturday evening before being the subject of a celebrity roast hosted by Heat TV host Jason Jackson at the 1 Hotel South Beach.
“Obviously he’s going to get a tag of being a shooter because he looks a certain way. But he’s not; he’s a basketball player. He makes plays. He plays very well off the dribble. He’s a great 1-on-1 player and obviously he can shot the [heck] out of the ball. But everything you hear about him from the coaching staff, from the players, is how hard he works and how dedicated to the craft that he is. So obviously myself and Udonis [Haslem], we respect that coming to this organization. “And it looks like it was a great pick for us. So I look for him to continue to grow in this organization. And this year, we don’t want to wait with him. I look and see he got the opportunity now to make a difference in this league. So let’s get to it.”
He’s also eager to see what the future holds for Heat swingman Jimmy Butler, Wade’s friend and former Chicago Bulls teammate. “I’m excited for Jimmy, first of all,” Wade said. “I’ve always told him, and I think you guys heard it a lot, he’s a Miami Heat culture guy. So far, I’m sure that you guys can see that. So what he’s going to bring to that team is toughness, his form of leadership, his talent and abilities. It’s going to be a special year for him.”
Wade reiterated that he has no plans to play again. “Nah; I’m ready to sign my retirement papers,” he said.
