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) /
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3 hidden gems on the Cleveland Cavaliers' roster this season
CLEVELAND, OHIO – JANUARY 26: Dean Wade #32 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks to make a pass during the first quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on January 26, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Cavaliers’ hidden gems: Dean Wade

Another undrafted gem, Dean Wade has made Kansas State University proud by becoming a key component to the Cleveland Cavaliers’ success.

Wade’s path to starting in Cleveland has been a bumpy road. He appeared in the starting lineup 19 times last season and has already done the same in 18 games this year. Yet, he has oddly been taken out of the rotation at seemingly random times.

Nonetheless, Wade almost always makes the most of his opportunities. He’s shooting 6-of-10 from the three-point line over his last two games. Wade is also nailing a red-hot 45.6 percent of his catch-and-shoot attempts since late December.

In addition to being one of the most consistent shooters on the roster, Wade’s fundamental skills as a defender have allowed him to seamlessly fit in with the starters. The Cavaliers have a DRTG of 102.8 with Wade on the court versus 104.6 without him.

A trustworthy shooter who can play defense and make good decisions with the ball is about all you could ask for from an undrafted talent – and Wade does this effortlessly.

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