Dwyane Wade denies being hung over on New Year’s Day

Around the NBA, a player being out with “flu-like symptoms” sometimes is code for “too hungover to play.”

So when Dwyane Wade didn’t start for the Heat on New Year’s Day due to flu-like symptoms but came off the bench after receiving some IV fluids, rumors swirled. Wade heard them and took to Twitter to try to squash them.

	DWade @DwyaneWade
No hang over guys. I didn't even drink my Wade Wine last night.. 2 many sodas I'm sure.. 9:36 PM - 1 Jan 2016

Way to get the plug in for your brand even in a denial. That’s a pro.

Wade was more detailed in speaking to the media, as reported by Jason Lieser of the Palm Beach Post.

“I was out there warming up and was just a little weak,” he said. “I decided to take a seat and I started shaking a little bit and got extra weak, so I decided to come back (in the locker room) and have the trainers try to see what was the problem. Got a couple IVs in me. The doc thought I was a little dehydrated, but it was all good.

“The doctors did a good job making sure that’s all it was — a lot of technical, blood pressure, trying to take your temperature and everything. But it was all good. I felt a lot better when I got the fluid in me.”

My default position is cynical, but in Wade’s case I tend to believe him. He’s not a 24-year-old partier, he’s been around the block. Plus he has kids, and anyone with kids will tell you they alter your New Year’s plans forever.

Wade scored 10 points in 19 minutes as a reserve, including eight in the third quarter after starting the second half. Miami cruised to a 102-86 win over a flat Mavericks team.