Dean Wade, the second year man out of Kansas State is thriving as the starting power forward of the Cleveland Cavaliers
A quick look at his stat-line is awfully deceiving as much of his contributions to the starting-lineup haven't come in the form of traditional box-score stats. Wade is averaging a mere 3.4 PTS per game as well as 2.1 REBS but don't let that fool you for a second. This man can absolutely be considered a stretch four as evidenced by the Cavs most recent game against the Indiana Pacers Although it came in a loss, he put up 17 PTS and went 5-8 from deep( good for 63%) and snagged 6 rebounds as well. There was a stretch in which he couldn't miss as he started the game 5-5 from outside the arc. Had it not been for an injury to the team's starting PG Darius Garland as well as some very costly turnovers, the Cavs may have won their fifth straight. If this five-game stretch in which Dean Wade has drawn the start is any indication, the Cavaliers have some tough conversations and decisions ahead of them going into the All-Star break.
Tough Decisions
In the weeks leading up to the NBA trade deadline, the Cavaliers brass must iron out just who the core of this very young team is. Sure, there are veterans interlaced on this roster but let's assume that centerpieces such as Collin Sexton. Garland, Isaac Okoro, and Jarrett Allen are untouchable. There are also young pieces such as Lamar Stevens, Dylan Windler and of course, Dean Wade that could be moved. That leaves players like Cedi Osman, Taurean Prince, Javale McGee, and Damyean Dotson as the most likely to get traded. Not to mention the still rostered Andre Drummond who is more likely to be bought out than traded based on interest. Its a safe bet to assume that at least one-two of these players won't remain with the team after the deadline. This means that this roster and rotation could look drastically different when the deadline passes. We could see the inclusion of Kevin Love, Larry Nance Jr, Matthew Dellavadova and possibly even a new piece or two.
So where does Dean Wade fit into this predicament? The answer to that is quite simple. His very spot in the rotation could be in jeopardy let alone his spot in the starting five. His last five games have yielded a good return in the win-loss column which undoubtedly has many Cavalier fans feeling good about him. The problem is that post All-Star break, the Cavs will be getting Love, Nance Jr, and hopefully Delly back. Make no mistake though this is a good problem to have for head coach J.B. Bickerstaff. He must find the right balance between player development and putting his team in the best possible position to win games. If that means reducing the roles of Wade, Stevens, or even Windler, than it would also most certainly suggest that the Cavs have an eye toward the future but also are making a push for the playoffs.
As of right now the Cavs potential starting unit could look like this:
PG: Darius Garland SG: Collin Sexton SF: Isaac Okoro PF: Kevin Love C: Jarrett Allen
That is as close as it gets to a lock assuming Love isn't moved before the deadline. The real problem begins with the bench unit. This is a team that, once fully healthy, could easily have a rotation that is 11-12 deep. At backup PG the Cavs can continue to roll with Damyean Dotson or Dellavadova if healthy. Dylan Windler can play off guard or small forward. Cedi Osman can serviceably step in at SG or either forward position if his role isn't over extended. Lamar Stevens has earned his spot in the rotation through tough defense and solid positioning so he figures to get some run at either forward spot. Taurean Prince can hit the three and provides depth at either forward position. Javale McGee has been the ultimate pro off the bench and can matchup against the league's more traditional back-to-the-basket bigs. The biggest domino of them all in regards to Wade's spot in the rotation is the return of Larry Nance Jr. He may be the Cavs best secondary playmaker and floor general off the bench. Nance will get starters minutes.
The Cavs have many options to choose from and will almost certainly go matchup based as opposed to a more traditional 9-10 rotation. While they don't quite have the luxury of playing any sort of ball stylistically such as small ball or an effective big lineup, they will be able to choose from a roster of players that fits the role on a given matchup. Wade, like the Cavs other young players will have to compete and be held to the level of accountability that the team preached to open the season. Minutes may be harder and harder to come by from game to game but Wade and others will still have a role to play in the years moving forward. Of course the usual caveats apply as trades will likely be on the horizon. With that said, here is my prediction for the Cavs primary bench unit:
Backup PG: Dotson SG: Windler SF: Prince PF: Wade C: Nance
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