<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">MIAMI ? The Heat enters tonight's game against Denver knowing there's one thing the team needs more than anything right now: Superman, also known as center Shaquille O'Neal. "It's a confidence factor just having him out there, knowing the best big man, the best player in the game, is back on the floor with you," guard Dwyane Wade said. "It's not only on the offensive end, just overall he gives us that confidence we're looking for." O'Neal's 17-game absence with torn ankle ligaments has put a burden on the team, but it's especially heavy for Wade, who spends a lot more time griping with referees about non-calls nowadays. "I've had to take on more responsibility at the beginning of the year than I thought I was going to have to," he said, "but that's part of basketball." ... As is getting worn down from carrying a team, and teammates think that's happening to Wade. Statistics don't bear it out ? Wade is averaging 20.2 shots per game as opposed to 17.1 last season, but he's also averaging 26.1 points per game as opposed to 24.1 last season. Teammates, though, know he's weary. "It's wearing and tearing on Dwyane right now that he's got to create a lot of these offensive plays, he's got to play defense and he's got to come back and try to score all the time," guard Gary Payton said. "I feel real bad for him because it's all on him." O'Neal's return will help, but it likely will not come tonight against the Nuggets (10-9). O'Neal probably will return Sunday against Washington or Tuesday in Chicago. Either way, the Heat (10-9), which is on a three-game losing streak, is trying not to view O'Neal as some sort of savior who will magically deliver immediate victories. "It's still going to be a process when he gets back because we have to get back to that flow of playing with him," forward Antoine Walker said. "And he's going to be a little rusty when he comes back so it's going to take some time, and we've still got to find ways to win games."</div> Source
It's obvious that our Heat need Shaq back on the floor right now. Wade is getting weared. Walker is getting out of control. I think the best thing about O'Neals return though is that it will put Walker in a role he is more comfortable in. Anyone recall Miamis blowout of the Grizzlies on their home floor. Take note that Grizzlies are one of the top Western teams into consideration. Interesting how Wade called Shaq the best player in the game.
