Dwyane Wade Cavs Role, Strong Beliefs Key to LeBron James, JR Smith NBA Success

By Mitch de Leon
Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Douglass
Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Douglass

The Cleveland Cavaliers are gearing up to prove their critics wrong. Working their way up to eventually displace the Boston Celtics as the kings of the Eastern Conference, LeBron James, Kevin Love, and Tristan Thompson are avenging their poor season starting games. Amidst these efforts, it appears that Dwyane Wade's Cavs role is seen as a crucial part of the team's success.

Set to become an NBA Hall of Fame inductee once he decides to retire, Dwyane Wade is also hailed as a potential candidate for the Sixth Man of the Year this season. Coming off the bench - after playing as a starter for the Miami Heat and Chicago Bulls throughout his career - has evolved into a full-time job for the previously relaxed veteran. Compared to his past performance with the former Jimmy Butler team, the Dwyane Wade stats board has been lighting up this NBA season.

In fact, analysts believe that Dwyane Wade's Cavs role might just showcase his best performance post-Miami Heat era. More importantly, coaches and players across the NBA applaud how the veteran star handles getting off the bench despite his elite status in the league.   

"I'll be telling stories about Dwyane 20 years from now to young players on what it really means to do whatever's necessary to win," said Erik Spoelstra of the former Miami Heat star. "And Dwyane has proven that time and time again.

Meanwhile, Cleveland Cavaliers fans seem to be looking at Dwyane Wade as a positive influence on LeBron James. Apart from his role on court, the former Chicago Bulls star has been widely admired for his behavior outside basketball. In addition to his prowess in the sport, many of his fans admire the commitment of Dwyane Wade to his Christian faith.

"I'm a firm believer in the Bible," said the Cleveland Cavaliers star in an interview after he was asked about the Biblical principle of tithing. "I believe everything in there. I'm given so much, so giving 10 percent back to God is nothing to me. That's why I do it, and I don't think twice about it."

Aside from following this practice, Dwyane Wade also strives to become a positive influence on his fans especially the children. He said, "I try to tell kids that there are going to be people in your life that try to tell you that you can't do something."

"There were people in my life who told me that I couldn't make it to this point in the NBA. I believed in God, myself and my abilities to get to this point. Always believe in yourself no matter what anyone may say to you."

What do you think? Did the Dwyane Wade Cavs trade make LeBron James a better leader? Will his former Miami Heat teammate be a positive influence on King James?

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