NBA: 10 Players Who Must Prove Themselves In 2016-17

Apr 5, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (21) reacts during the second half of Tuesday night
Apr 5, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (21) reacts during the second half of Tuesday night
11 of 11
May 13, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade (3) shoots the ball over Toronto Raptors forward DeMarre Carroll (5) during the first quarter in game six of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
May 13, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade (3) shoots the ball over Toronto Raptors forward DeMarre Carroll (5) during the first quarter in game six of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Dwyane Wade, Chicago Bulls

Dwyane Wade decided to test the free agency waters this offseason and ended up being back in his hometown when it was all said and done. After signing with the Chicago Bulls – a two-year, $47.5 million deal – he’s going to be placed back under the microscope.

That wouldn’t have happened had he stayed in Miami. The only advantage he has in Chicago is that he won’t be asked to be the ONLY guy, especially with Jimmy Butler in the mold.

He will be asked to be the guy that can take them over the hump, though. At the very least, the expectation for this season is for Chicago to make the playoffs.

must read: Summer NBA Power Rankings: Post Draft And Free Agency Edition

Wade needs to have another solid season, sans injury, in order to meet expectations in Chicago.