MIAMI -- Seeing Dwyane Wade drive toward him during a scrimmage Monday, Dorell Wright backed away, taking every precaution not to hit his superstar teammate's still-healing left shoulder.
Wade was not happy about that.
"Dorell is a great shot blocker. I saw him look at me and just jump out of the way," Wade said. "I told him, 'Ain't nothing wrong with my body.'"
Wade began trying to prove that Monday, when he returned to practice with the Miami Heat nearly six weeks after suffering the dislocation that threatened to end his season. He worked out on-court for 90 minutes, absorbing some contact for the first time, and followed that with weights and physical therapy.
Most importantly, he was pain-free, another sign he'll be able to start playing games before the playoffs.
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| Dwyane Wade tests his injured shoulder against the defense of teammate Jason Kapono. (AP) |
Wade thought so, too.
The reigning NBA Finals MVP was smiling and relaxed after his on-court work, even acknowledging that he may play in more regular-season contests than the "a game or two" plan he offered Sunday when announcing he'd return to practice.
For now, there is no timetable. Wade eventually will set one in consultation with the Heat medical staff and his physical therapist.
"Trust me," Wade said. "When I take the court, I'll be all right."
Miami (39-34) has nine games remaining in the regular season, one that'll be undoubtedly remembered for a plethora of injury woes. Heat players have missed 171 games this year with injuries, 66 of those by their best two weapons, Wade and Shaquille O'Neal, who have been together for only 13 starts all year.
Soon, that total will almost surely begin rising again, now that Wade's return is getting closer.
"Just happy to see him out there running and smiling," Heat guard Eddie Jones said. "I think it's a great thing to have guys together again."
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