Draft expectations

Wade was projected to be a lottery pick and was expected to be a top-10 pick, but he was chosen sooner than many had anticipated. In fact, he rose about as high as he possibly could because the first three choices - LeBron James, Darko Milicic and Carmelo Anthony - were locks. In addition, Georgia Tech's Chris Bosh was a pretty sure bet to go fourth to Toronto, which he did.

At that time speculations were made the Miami Heat would draft him at No. 5 and pair him up with Caron Butler, their No. 1 pick last season whom coach Pat Riley has considered using as a point forward.

Pat Riley really wanted a draft a player who could contribute right away and Dwyane Wade was able to fill their void at the backcourt position, since Wade demonstrated great handles.

Dwyane Wade had a great first step and was considered a solid defender. The biggest issue with getting drafted by the Miami Heat was the Heat desperately needed a good perimeter shooter in the backcourt. For all of Wade's strengths, he is not a good long range shooter. It turned out to be an interesting pick by the Miami heat and it seemed obvious that Pat Riley didn't want a project player and passed on great players such as Chris Kaman and Maciej Lampe.

"He's a player," Riley said. "Wade to me was the most mature player we worked out and scouted, and not only do I see him as a multiple position player, but I see him as a guy that can defend."