Dwyane Wade Minutes Limit? Miami Heat Plan To Rest LeBron James' Sidekick In Second Title Defense

Miami Heat's Dwyane Wade dunks against the San Antonio Spurs during the fourth quarter in Game 4 of their NBA Finals basketball series in San Antonio, Texas June 13, 2013.

The Miami Heat plan to limit Dwyane Wade’s minutes this season in hopes of preserving his health over the course of the entire year, according to the Florida Sun Sentinel.

Coaches have discussed options ranging from sitting the perennial All-Star on the second nights of back-to-backs, to not playing him at all in a set number of games.

Wade’s lingering knee problems again became an issue last season, particularly during the playoffs when his jumping and running ability both appeared to sorely reduced. Prior to Game 7 of the NBA Finals against San Antonio, Wade had to have his left knee drained as well as receive eight hours of therapy on it.

Despite issues with both his knees much of the year, Wade opted not to have any surgery this off season, instead choosing to simply rest his body. With the Heat poised to make a run at only the league’s second three-peat (L.A. Lakers 1999-002) since the days of Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls, management is taking every precaution to have the team healthy and intact come playoff time.

The Sentinel also reports the team has discussed adding veteran swingman Dahntay Jones to the mix as a capable reserve.  Jones has averaged 5.6 points over the course of his career, but is best known for his defense including a couple classical battles with Los Angeles’Kobe Bryant.