New Heat coach Erik Spoelstra has visions of running an up-tempo, slashing, dunking offense that takes advantage of an athletic nucleus anchored by guard Dwyane Wade.
But it's going to require a gear Wade had been unable to reach the past two seasons.
Wade began his latest -- and what he hopes to be his last -- rehabilitation on his troublesome left knee Monday in his hometown of Chicago, where he is working with Michael Jordan's former trainer, Tim Grover.
It is the latest step Wade has taken in an attempt to put two injury-plagued seasons behind and regain his more-explosive form from the Heat's 2006 championship season, when Wade was named MVP of the NBA Finals.
But Wade has missed 62 games in the past two seasons, most with knee and shoulder injuries that each required surgery last May. The shoulder improved, but Wade missed 31 games this season, including the final 21 after he had a follow-up, nonsurgical procedure on the knee to combat lingering tendinitis.
With Wade either playing hurt or out of the lineup for lengthy stretches, the Heat tied a franchise-worst record at 15-67 this season and is 59-105 since winning the title.
Wade is motivated not only to get healthy in time for the Heat's late-September training camp, but also to do so in enough time to convince the Team USA basketball staff that he will be ready in time for the national team's July 25 training camp in advance of the Olympics.
`VERY FOCUSED'
''He's very determined to get back on the court healthy -- he's going to be very focused,'' said Spoelstra, who took over for Pat Riley as coach last week and plans to be hands-on with Wade's rehab process. ``The goal [for Wade] is to play in the Olympics and be 100 percent healthy for training camp.
``We feel very confident he'll be able to get back to that point.''
As an assistant coach, Spoelstra was the key member of Riley's staff who worked Wade through basketball-related drills during his rehabilitation from his surgeries last offseason. Although Wade chose to hire Grover this summer, the Heat's training staff will monitor Wade's workout regimen in Chicago.
Heat trainer Jay Sabol and Rey Jaffet, Wade's primary therapist the past two seasons, flew to Chicago to meet with Grover on Monday to ensure a strength-and-conditioning program met the Heat's expectations.
Wade, a four-time All-Star, already has been profiled among clients on the website for Grover's company, Attack Athletics. Grover runs programs that specialize in injury rehab, longevity training and lower-body explosiveness. Kobe Bryant, Charles Barkley and Hakeem Olajuwon have trained with Grover.
Wade, who has missed at least 21 games in three of his five NBA seasons, said addressing his health would be his top offseason priority.
''I'll put it in the hands of my trainer -- and with the help of the trainers in Miami -- to [get] my body the way it needs to be to go through the [Olympics], a long season next year and the rest of my career,'' Wade said. ``My focus is to get healthy. To get back to where I feel comfortable and confident. To do the things that I've normally been able to do.''
Spoelstra said he planned to visit Wade during the five- to six-week workout program in Chicago.
KEEPING BUSY
Wade already has had an active offseason. He began light shooting drills two weeks ago, and he made a guest appearance on TNT's studio coverage of the playoffs last week. He also had planned to attend the Kentucky Derby last weekend.
Now the body work begins. Wade said his recent rash of injuries has forced him to consider altering his attacking style to prolong his career.
''It comes into play. It comes into your mind,'' said Wade, who averaged 24.6 points and 6.9 assists per game this season and made a career-high 22 three-pointers. ``The easiest thing is to become a jump shooter. You have to mix it up. It's just about getting smarter with the game as you grow.
``I'm going into my sixth year, and I'm smarter than I was in my first.''
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