Among Cavs’ Stevens, Wade and Osman, who has best case for minutes?
By Dan Gilinsky
The Cavs might want to favor Stevens/Wade, with Osman’s inconsistencies being apparent at this juncture
No matter if injuries were to affect the minutes outlook, the likes of Wade and Stevens demonstrated that they can be quality defensive options for stretches last season, and both were decent when needed in some starts. With Osman, conversely, he likely has a higher offensive ceiling if given minutes, and is more of a movement shooting presence than Wade.
But, at this point, we’re well aware of Osman’s defensive limitations, and while I acknowledge he can provide a heck of a lift at times, if his deep ball isn’t falling, there’s not much more rationale for him getting minutes.
The volume will be there for Cedi if he plays in notable stretches of minutes, it’s just hard to predict game-to-game if the looks will go down. And with him essentially on an expiring deal next season, with his 2023-24 non-guaranteed, it seems that he could be traded before next season.
Whether or not that occurs, though, if it comes to it, next season, it’s probably more sensible to choose between Stevens and Wade, in relation to our question between the three for some rotational minutes.
With that caveat, we’ll debate further the case for Stevens and Wade next then.