Cavs: 3 takeaways from the third quarter of the season so far

#2: Dean Wade deserves to be a regular rotational piece for the Cavs

The Cleveland Cavaliers have gotten quality minutes from players who were looked at as end-of-the-bench guys. When called upon, these players have stepped up to the plate and given the Cavs a lot to think about this offseason. And the player who can be argued as stepping up the most is Dean Wade, who KJG’s Tyler Shelt recently raved about, and rightfully so.

Coming from Kansas State, the undrafted forward has spent most of his meaningful minutes in his professional career with the Canton Charge, Cleveland’s G League Affiliate team. With injuries to both Kevin Love and Larry Nance Jr., though, Wade was called upon and has overachieved in the minutes that he was given.

With more opportunity, his play has improved and this recent stretch of games really show why he deserves a rotational role with the team. In his last eight games, Wade is averaging 9.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game, shooting 48.2 percent from the field and 38.7 percent from three on 3.9 attempts per game.

His shooting ability at the forward position has helped to open up the offense for the Cavaliers at times, having a reliable shooter for teams to worry about. Combine that with his 6-foot-9 frame and Wade has been a plus for a team that can use as much offense as they can.

Wade has continuously played his role well, always looking to make the right plays and being a plus player on both sides of the ball. Next season is filled with a lot of unknowns but if one thing’s for sure, it’s that the Cavaliers should look to implement Wade into their rotation more for next season and potentially, for the future.