Wade Returns Home

Dwyane Wade grew up in Chicago. It's his home. He attended H.L. Richards High School and really didn't start to hit his stride until his junior season, after growing 4 inches the previous summer. It's where he learned about the game and where he grew into loving the game.

His senior year, Wade lead his team to the AA final, posting a single season record for points scored (676) and steals (106) for his high school. He also was nominated for the Illinois Mr. Basketball award, but was recruited only by Marquette, DePaul and Illinois State.

The rest is history, most of which has been televised.

Now Wade returns to Chicago, again, in the hopes of searching for another NBA title and continuing his team's run for greatness. Ironically, it was this same franchise that he grew up watching, studying the games of Jordan and Pippen while they lead their teams to multiple championships and establishing a dynasty.

Wade is now attempting to replicate what he saw: establish his own dynasty. Yet once again, the path is to cut through his favorite childhood team the Bulls.

A comparison to Jordan is now more common for Wade. Many sports writers have been jumping on the bandwagon, always looking to replace their Jordan fix, and Wade seems to serve as the best candidate since, well, Lebron. Or Kobe. His style of play is aggressive, physical, yet he doesn't cheat anyone on any night and plays hard. It's refreshing also that he can keep himself grounded and modest.

Yet there are concerns about Wade's left shoulder, injured Feb. 21st against the Houston Rockets in a freak steal attempt on Shane Battier (but most likely aggravated on a previous night against the Portland Trailblazers). Will it hold up? Will Wade be able to get his game back to where it was pre-injury?

The fact that the Bulls will attempt to exploit this weakness are known and expected. Wade remarked, "I expect them to be physical. They're a very physical team and like to send a message, so I have to be prepared for that."

So this is the homecoming for Dwyane Wade: return to your roots, where you grew up and learned the game. Beat your favorite team, again, and shatter the hearts of many of your fellow Chicagoans as you 'go for yours'. Oh, and come back from a serious shoulder injury and test it further against a team that will definetly be aiming at that bulls-eye on your back.

By the way, the only win for the Heat this season against the Bulls came with Wade on the bench with his injury.

For Wade to be successful, he has to come strong and play his game. He will have to take the ball to the hoop, draw contact and get those vital free throw attempts to help dictate the game and the series. Can he do it with concerns over his left shoulder, which he uses to initiate his game and help create seperation?

One way or another, Wade is coming home - and not everyone is going to be happy to see him.