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

Cavs: Evaluating the D.Wade 5 lineup – 1. Defense

As impressive as everything above was, it was the ‘D-Wade 5’s defense which rose to the top of my observations. Their ridiculous 100.4 points per 100 possessions conceded was 5th best out of 87 lineups which played 100 or more minutes last season. Despite a mostly conventional approach, the film backed up the numbers. With respect to Dean Wade, Jarrett Allen – both individually and schematically – was the key.

He may struggle against stronger players, but Allen’s versatility allowed the ‘D. Wade 5’ to play an effective drop coverage anytime they involved him in pick-and-roll action. Allen’s length and mobility allowed him to cover both the roller and challenge the ball-handler. He struggled to rebound at times for someone at his size but this conservative approach worked. Together with switching whenever Wade was involved in actions, this lineup conceded fewer free throw and three-point attempts per-100 possessions than any Cavs lineup that played at least 10 games last season.

Sexland deserve credit here too. While it helped them funneling the ball handler towards Allen, they competed and communicated, giving up little that was easy. Okoro was matched up against bigger wings at times and brought the defensive chops he was drafted for. He’s stronger than he looks and played smart for a rookie. Schematically he was a strong fit with this lineup.

The numbers needed a second glance but the eye test confirmed what they were saying – a conventional, low risk, low mistake scheme centered around drop coverage with Allen and switching with Wade was incredibly effective. Beyond the ‘D. Wade 5’ it will be interesting to see how J.B. Bickerstaff incorporates Lauri Markkanen and Evan Mobley into these defensive schemes. Watch this space.