The Cavaliers’ hot start continues. They are first in the East with a record of 31-4 after their win over the Charlotte Hornets. That game marked their 10th straight win. The Cavs are firing on all cylinders and it is at all levels. Whether it is the core four or rotation players, Cleveland has players making an impact.
One of the players that sticks out during this stretch is Dean Wade. Wade averages 6.2 points and 5.1 rebounds. From a statistics standpoint, this may not seem like much, but Wade’s impact sometimes goes beyond stats. However, games like his double-double against the Golden State Warriors do not hurt. He finished that game with 10 points and 13 rebounds.
The thing about Wade is his versatility. The Cavaliers have encountered a few injuries throughout the season, including Max Strus’ extended time out with an ankle sprain. An injury the Cavs are currently dealing with is Isaac Okoro’s right shoulder sprain. When a player is out, Wade is able to step into that role. If the Cavs need someone to start at the small forward position, Wade is there. If they need someone at the four/power forward position, Wade is there. Then, when a player (say Okoro) does return, the 6-foot-9 forward out of Kansas State can go back to the bench and make an impact there. Having a player like that is valuable to a team looking to win, especially if they encounter injuries along the way.
Wade’s defense and his rebounding are his bread and butter, as he can defend multiple positions and any time he is on the court, he hustles. When his shots are falling he becomes even more valuable. Wade is a good piece to have alongside starters like the backcourt of Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland and his frontcourt mates Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen (when Wade is in the starting lineup). Or, he works alongside bench players such as Caris LeVert, Ty Jerome and Georges Niang. Wherever he is, he brings the same energy.
Kenny Atkinson once called Wade the team’s “swiss army knife.” And he is right.
“He’s a Swiss Army Knife,” Atkinson said. “Defensively, he can guard anybody five through one. … And then, offensively, he can do the same. … He’s just a smart basketball player. It’s so easy [to coach him].”
Wade is having a good year. The Cavaliers are doing well as a whole. And as the season progresses and possibly come playoff time, Wade will continue to impact the team in his own way.
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