King James Gospel
Fansided

5 Cavs who have surpassed expectations this season

By Quenton S. Albertie

(L-R) Cedi Osman
(L-R) Cedi Osman /
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CLEVELAND, OH – DECEMBER 21: Dwyane Wade #9 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on during game against Chicago Bulls on December 21, 2017 at Quicken Loans Arena 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – DECEMBER 21: Dwyane Wade #9 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on during game against Chicago Bulls on December 21, 2017 at Quicken Loans Arena 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Dwyane Wade

While Wade has been more efficient than last season (45.2 percent from the field this season compared to 43.4 percent last season), the most impressive number in his shooting splits is his career-high 37.2 percent shooting from three-point range. This is a mark 5.5 percent higher than his second-highest three-point percentage, so it’s definitely impressive.

In a vacuum, Wade’s 11.4 points, 4.0 assists, 3.6 rebounds, 1.0 steal and 0.8 blocks in 23.7 minutes per game show he’s stuffing up the stat sheet but in commanding a second unit that was without a leader all of last season, he’s been the stat-stuffing backup to LeBron James that allows his best friend to rest. Per 36 minutes, Wade is averaging 17.3 points, 6.0 assists, 5.5 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 1.3 blocks per game, if that gives you a better picture of how productive Wade has been within the second unit.

Where Wade was “Flash”, he’s since become “Flair”, as he pulls graceful moves out of his bottomless bag of tricks every night. He’s like the old man in the gym who, aided by his knowledge of the game and just enough athleticism, strength and innate skill, can give the youngsters buckets all game long.

Actually, the 36-year-old Wade is that old man. He’s like a real life Uncle Drew, a name mentioned because while he’s not replacing Kyrie Irving as James’ second-in-command (he averages the third-most field goal attempts of players in the rotation), he has effectively iced any frustrations James may have had with his presence.

A presence that’s left an indelible impression on his teammates and Cavs fans alike.

Oh, lest I forget, Wade has been transforming games with his defensive know-how and he’s still one of the best at blocking shots despite being a shooting guard. In fact, Wade passed renowned defender Michael Jordan postseason blocks in 2016 and passed Jordan for most games with two or more blocks by a guard this week.

In guarding pick-and-roll ball-handlers, Wade uses his hands, natural acumen and basketball IQ well. That’s resulted in him holding them to 0.68 points per possession and 35.3 percent shooting from the field. Wade was solid in this area last season too, only allowing opponents to score 0.85 points per possession and holding them to 41.2 percent from the field. Nonetheless, Wade is clearly better at it — and seemingly more active as a defender in general — than last season.

By being a reliable player on both ends of the court, he’s now a player that Cavs head coach can and will look to in the clutch.