Dean Wade: Unsung Hero of the Cavaliers’ Early Playoff Success

The former Wildcat’s force on the perimeter is among the team’s best. He has tallied four total steals and six deflections so far this series, each second on the team.

The advanced metrics also emphasize Wade’s defensive contributions. Per databallr, the Cavs have an excellent 95.4 defensive rating with him on the floor. That number is worse by 15.8 with him off. In Game 2, the team’s steal percentage was over 9% higher with him playing. Additionally, the rebound percentage went from 38.7% to 50% with Wade on the court, according to PivotFade.

His defensive tenacity has elevated the team to first-round dominance.

Offensive Importance Despite Low Scoring

Though he only averages four points a night so far, Wade’s offense is still solid.

In his 43 minutes played so far, Cleveland’s offensive rating is 142.0, with an offensive rebound percentage increased by over 10% with Wade.

Although the offensive rating is sure to decrease with more playing time, it’s no coincidence that the team’s offense is substantially better with him.

Wade has great timing on the offensive glass. He has the length for putbacks and the timing to tip the ball back out to his teammates.

His limited scoring production is a result of his carefulness with the ball. He very rarely takes bad shots, only putting up high-quality looks. His connective passing is also solid, as he consistently finds open players on the perimeter or someone to initiate the offense.

Dean Wade’s two-way play has put the Cleveland Cavaliers in a very comfortable position in Round 1. As the playoffs progress, his role will become even more essential.

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