Dion Waiters has, at times, been a revelation for the Miami Heat. He’s the league’s crown prince of irrational confidence, and there are few things more entertaining than watching the sixth-year guard catch fire on offense. On the season, Waiters is averaging 14.3 points per game, good for the second most of any member of the Heat.
Unfortunately for Miami, Waiters has been forced to miss the last eight games due to a lingering ankle issue, and it appears he has a major decision to make on that front that will not only affect his prospects for the remainder of the season, but his bank account as well.
On Wednesday, a report emerged that Waiters was seriously weighing whether to undergo a procedure that would cause him to miss the rest of the season, despite an earlier insistence from Waiters that he wouldn’t have surgery until after the season.
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Beyond the court, the surgery would reportedly carry financial implications as well. Waiters has a $1.1 million incentive built into his contract, per NBC Sports’ Dan Feldman, if he is able to play 70 games this season. If he were able to return for Sunday’s matinee against the Bucks, he would have to play in 40 of Miami’s 41 remaining games for the bonus to kick in.
The Heat are in the midst of a five-game win streak and currently hold the No. 4 spot in the East at 23-17. Waiters is certainly critical to their aspirations for a postseason, but here’s hoping that his long-term health is ultimately the determining factor in his decision. While losing out on that games played bonus would hurt, Waiters inked a four-year deal this offseason so long-term money shouldn’t be a major concern for him.
