Dwyane Wade has managed to make an impact in this new-look Miami Heat team despite coming off the bench. His minutes frequency has been picking up ever since making a step back two-pointer to bury the Philadelphia 76ers and make the building erupt with his old-school antics.

Following that 27-point effort he's put a couple more 20-point outings when given more than 25 minutes of playing time, both coming in losses.

Wade has been playing in reduced playing time throughout this season, as he did with the Cleveland Cavaliers before being traded back to his old team prior to the trade deadline.

Related NewsArticle continues below
Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday (4) controls the ball during the second half against the Orlando Magic at TD Garden.
Ranking 3 best Jrue Holiday trade destinations if Celtics make big changes
Dwyane Wade looks on from the media bench during the first half between Canada and Greece during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Stade Pierre-Mauroy.
Dwyane Wade puts Jimmy Butler on blast for Timberwolves series

“I have always believed in that man. It's like that country song, ‘I'm not as good as I once was, but I'm as good once as I ever was,' ” Spoelstra said of Toby Keith's As Good as I Once Was, according to Ira Winderman of The South Florida Sun-Sentinel. “And I truly believe that about Dwyane. He might not be able to play the role that he did for us in 2008-09, playing 40 minutes and then I would ask him to play the best player and defend on the other end, as well. But for 20 to 25 minutes, I think he can be every bit of who he used to be, just in compact minutes.”

“I do believe he can be who he was and have a great impact on the court and in the locker room for this team.”

Wade's legs aren't what they used to be after taking endless punishment early in his career due to his fearless approach to the game and his knack for drawing contact. Yet he surprisingly fits well with this team and Spoelstra has chosen to keep the long-term future of this team as his No. 1 priority.