Cavs: Was the ‘D. Wade 5’ last season’s best lineup?

Cavs: Evaluating the D.Wade 5 lineup – 5. Opponent lineup strength

One of the main variables in lineup data is the quality of opposition faced, especially given the typically-small sample sizes. In the ‘D. Wade 5’s 113 minutes I noted an average of 3.7 opponent starters* on the floor, which was even higher in low-minute totals against two-starter lineups in three games. Considering the four usual starters here for the Cavs – Sexland, Okoro and Allen – the playing field was pretty even for this unit.

Using this lineup tool, you’ll also see the distribution of the ‘D.Wade 5’ was largely consistent across all four quarters. This lineup wasn’t just a reactive or sporadic choice but rather a key rotational cog in games it was available, including three it started. The highlight was surely an overtime win against the Sixers in February with minutes in both the 4th quarter and extra period. Based on these factors, the ‘D-Wade 5’s positive Net Rating success was meaningful given the relative opposing strength it faced.

* A starter was defined as a player who started more than half of their total games last season or if they started the game I was watching.

Cavs: Evaluating the D.Wade 5 lineup – 4. Spacing

Captain Obvious here again: The Cavs were not a good shooting team last season. Their 33.6% from three was last in the NBA while also ranking third-worst in attempts (29.7). As such, spacing was clearly an issue – 19th percentile per Bball-Index.

But things improved with the ‘D.Wade 5.’ Their three-point percentage jumped to 40.6% on similar frequency per NBA.com which, while still not great, appeared to improve their spacing (28th percentile). The eye test supported these positives with Wade and Okoro either starting in the corners or ending up there after actions to initiate offensive sets. Okoro has a ways to go as a 3-point shooter but his 37% from the corners warranted attention in this lineup.

Wade on the other hand is a genuine gunslinger – give him an inch of space and he has already unloaded on you from downtown. The corners proved even more lethal for Wade, connecting on 50% of his 3-point attempts there last season.

The improved gravitational pull also gave Sexland the platform to play pick-and-roll tag-team with Jarrett Allen, which I’ll look at in more detail next. Their own 3-point shooting threats – Sexton 37% and Garland 40% – helped facilitate this action when they weren’t directly involved also. Sexton had easier paths to his spots in the floater range while Garland had more runway to his right hand or quick reads hitting Allen rolling.