NBA MVP Power Rankings: We Should Be Paying Attention To Kevin Durant

9. Dwyane Wade

Stats: 19.1 points, 4.6 assists, 22.2 PER

Surprising to some, the Miami Heat have gotten out to a better start to this season than many predicted they would. Considering all their new pieces and that their projected starting five had played a grand total of zero minutes together before the season started, the Heat were supposed to struggle – at least to a certain extend – from the opening tip.

And while they have slightly, it hasn’t been as much as we thought. Miami is 12-7 and second in the Eastern Conference, one game behind the conference-leading Cavaliers. Dwyane Wade, who many thought would be done after another “injury-plagued” season a year ago, has looked really good. He’s even looked great in spots.

Wade hasn’t missed a game this season because of injury (*crosses fingers*) and has been a key catalyst to this team’s development. Wade isn’t the 26 point per game man he once was in his career, but his healthy presence on this team can’t be denied.

Next: Blake Griffin