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

Cavs: Evaluating the D.Wade 5 lineup – 3. The Double Drag Screen

With Jarrett Allen ranking in the 94th percentile as a pick-and-roll man per NBA tracking (1.41 points per possession), the extra spacing I mentioned above and Sexland’s penchant for attack it’s no surprise pick-and-rolls were a staple in the ‘D. Wade 5’s diet.

But one variation appeared to resemble something you might define as lineup symbiosis: The Double Drag Screen. Put simply, this involves two bigs screening for the ball-handler at the top, who uses the space and disorganization to attack. At the same time, one big rolls to the basket while the other pops to the perimeter.

There are always variations (both bigs roll, etc) but the standard execution aligned closely with the offensive strengths of this lineup: Allen as a roller and Wade as a pick-and-pop threat. The ensuing chaos was a perfect breeding ground for Sexton and Garland assaults from floater range and at the rim.

The only issue I had was that the Double Drag wasn’t used enough. I counted it just six times, with four of the possessions leading to a basket, foul or open three. More of this action (and the ‘D. Wade 5’) in 2021-22 please J.B. Bickerstaff.