Heat's Waiters: Disrespectful to say I'm taking Wade's place

There aren't many players in the league who exhibit the same level of confidence as Dion Waiters, but even he knows his limits.

While Waiters may be partly responsible for Miami's sudden turnaround this season, the Heat shooting guard wants to put an end to the recent comparisons to Dwyane Wade, noting that he's not even in the same league as the Miami great.

"You can’t replace no legend, considering what he did for the city of Miami. He did so much for this city, brought them three titles," Waiters told The Vertical's Michael Lee. "I try to tell people all the time, I think that’s disrespect to D-Wade when people say I’m taking his place. I don’t say that. What he did for this city is unmatched. Hopefully, I can be here, however long I’m here for, the same way that he was here for 13, 14 years."

After signing a two-year, $5.9-million contract with the Heat last summer, Waiters has become one of the best bargain signings of last offseason, putting up career-highs across the board.

"I told people, even though I was coming off the playoffs, Western Conference finals, I wanted a better opportunity for me," Waiters said. "And it wasn’t about the money at the time for me. It was just about finding that comfort, really finding that home to play my game and have fun doing it, most importantly."

The 25-year-old is averaging 16.1 points, 4.4 assists, 3.4 rebounds, and 0.9 steals on 42.1 percent shooting this season.