How Dean Wade’s versatile game could elevate the Cavs despite injury issues

The bright spot in Strus’ absence could be Wade’s understated play, which could give the Cavs just the stability they need as they continue to develop offensively.

While Wade doesn’t have the same shooting power as Max Strus, he remains a legitimate perimeter threat that keeps defenses honest and leaves the floor open for Cleveland’s key scorers. Strus thrives as a high-volume shooter who can get hot, but Wade’s efficient, low-use offensive style could be just what the Cavs need in the early stages of this season.

With Evan Mobley primed for a stronger offensive role and Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland continuing to demand a high volume of shots, Wade’s ability to operate off the ball could prove more valuable than expected.

Wade is averaging just 4.3 career field goal attempts and 3.1 three-point attempts per game – significantly fewer than Strus’ 8.8 career field goal attempts, which came in his first year at Cleveland increased to 10.4, including 6.8 attempts from deep. Wade’s willingness to play in the flow of the offense and not require heavy usage allows the Cavs to prioritize Mobley’s growth while maintaining offensive balance.

“It just gives us more space,” Garland said. “Dean is a great basketball player, so you can put him on the floor and [he’ll] Make plays from there. He can knock down open shots.”

Defensively, Wade brings versatility that could benefit Cleveland in the long run. His size and mobility allow him to guard multiple positions, potentially alleviating any inconsistency that Strus may struggle with. This is not to downplay Strus’ impact on the win, as he had the third-highest net rating (5.6) on the Cavs last season behind Mitchell (7.3) and Wade (8.3). However, Wade’s defensive acumen and low-maintenance offensive style could ultimately benefit the Cavs in ways beyond this short-term adjustment.

“We practiced a lot with our starting five and just had to adjust a little bit, but overall it’s pretty similar,” Mobley said of playing with Wade at small forward rather than Strus. “They play a little bit alike. Dean Wade is just a bigger body, so we can switch around on defense. Overall it was pretty good.”

Wade, who stood 6-foot-3, found himself alongside the Cavs’ formidable front line of Mobley and Jarrett Allen. This trio forms a potentially formidable defensive wall, with each player displaying the agility and strength to move between positions three through five. At a time when size and agility must coexist to counter the NBA’s speed and space attacks, Wade offers the Cavs a unique advantage in their defensive schemes.

Mobley and Allen provide top-notch rim protection, and Wade’s ability to play wings and passing lanes adds another layer of complexity. His performance against Chicago included two blocks and a steal, showing that combined with his size and length, he had the potential to be a disruptive force on defenses.

Although Wade’s offensive performance on Tuesday – five points on 2 of 6 shooting in 18 minutes – left much to be desired, his role on offense could expand as he becomes more comfortable in Atkinson’s system.

“I’ll play wherever they want me,” said the 27-year-old Wade.

Last season under JB Bickerstaff, the Cavs often relied on Isaac Okoro to fill the gap at small forward. Okoro’s athleticism and defensive prowess were valuable, but his difficulties against larger, more physically imposing wings were evident.

In Atkinson’s first preseason game, Okoro found himself in the second unit of hockey substitutions, where he struggled offensively. He did it in 12 minutes, scoring a single point, shooting 0-for-6 from the field and 0-for-3 from distance, and shooting just 1-of-2 from the charity stripe.

With Wade, the Cavs can maintain the perimeter threat and stretch the floor without losing the defensive presence that Okoro and Strus provide.

As the preseason turns into the regular season, Wade’s role will be closely watched. If Strus is unavailable for an extended period of time, Wade’s ability to fill in as a small forward could give the Cavs the size, shooting ability and defensive versatility to compete in a crowded Eastern Conference.