Hoops Habit
Fansided

3 hidden gems on the Cleveland Cavaliers’ roster this season

By Tony Pesta

CLEVELAND, OHIO - JANUARY 26: Dean Wade #32 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrates after scoring during the third quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on January 26, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Bucks 115-99. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - JANUARY 26: Dean Wade #32 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrates after scoring during the third quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on January 26, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Bucks 115-99. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 4
Next
3 hidden gems on the Cleveland Cavaliers' roster this season
CLEVELAND, OHIO – DECEMBER 15: Josh Christopher #9 of the Houston Rockets shoots over Dylan Windler #9 as Dean Wade #32 and Denzel Valentine #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers watch during the fourth quarter at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on December 15, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Rockets 124-89. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

It takes a village for last season’s third-worst NBA team to blossom into a bonafide contender in less than a year’s time. The Cleveland Cavaliers have benefitted from multiple individual breakout seasons, some of which have flown under the radar.

By now, you’ve heard about Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen. Two potential All-Stars and the leader in the Rookie of the Year race have Cleveland in a position for longevity.

The Cleveland Cavaliers have multiple hidden gems on their roster

Brewing under the surface is a Sixth Man of the Year candidate in Kevin Love, who is averaging 14.2 points on above 40 percent three-point shooting in just 21.6 minutes of playing time. His veteran leadership has kept the Cavs afloat throughout a challenging season.

Then, there are guys like Cedi Osman, who is having a career year from deep, as well as Ricky Rubio, who was a sturdy presence before suffering a season-ending injury.

However, three other role players have been consistently proving their worth. These hidden gems each have their own stories and have embraced their status as underdogs.

Today, we highlight the Cavaliers’ three hidden gems and take a look at how they’ve managed to succeed despite numerous obstacles in their way.

*Stats valid as of January 28

Home/Cleveland Cavaliers