Cavs: Playing Keep or Cut with players on back end of roster

Playing Keep or Cut with Cavs players: Dean Wade

An undrafted forward out of Kansas State, Dean Wade has hung around at the back end of the roster for two seasons now. Last year was something of a breakout for him, as he not only played in 63 games (second on the team to Isaac Okoro) but he started 19 as injuries ravaged the frontcourt.

While not a prolific scorer, Wade got loose for some big games when his shot was falling. He scored 21 points on 5-of-8 shooting from 3-point range in an April game against the New Orleans Pelicans, and had 19 points and 12 rebounds in a May contest against the Indiana Pacers.

Wade’s impact on the defensive end is the main reason he’s still in the league, and he was able to leverage that during his minutes as well. He has quick hands and knows how to be in the right place. He lacks starter upside, but he has already proven himself reliable in a bench role.

The Cavs are currently well-stocked at the power forward position, but that could change quickly. Evan Mobley, Kevin Love and Larry Nance Jr. could all see minutes at the 5, opening up room on the 4 line. The team could buy out the rest of Love’s contract (or perhaps even find a trade partner), and Nance is a low-end starter on a great contract who will generate trade buzz whenever the team is ready to move him.

Keeping Wade on a minimum deal is a solid use of a roster spot, and he will likely see time at some point in the season backing up Evan Mobley at the 4.

Verdict: Keep