2 goals for Cavs’ Dean Wade in the 2022-23 season

Goal No. 2 for Wade in 2022-23: Keep proving himself defensively, and average 7.5 points per game, while shooting 37.0-plus percent from three

For Wade, whether this is realistically the first or second goal, I’d say for him to keep making a difference on defense, and to average 8.0 points, while shooting 37.0 percent or so from deep.

Wade is not going to be Evan Mobley or Jarrett Allen on defense when it comes to the effect on games, but he’s been pretty competent there on-ball, and usually, does a good job with his shot contests, and knows where help is.

To me, part of Wade’s argument for minutes is for him being one of the Cavs’ more capable defenders versus opposing forwards, and that’s part of the reasoning for him being viable in some spot starts. Wade is honestly better in that sense than Lauri Markkanen, even with Markkanen being far better on that end is a role adjustment last season than I would’ve thought.

Of course, him not playing starters minutes overall played into it, but Cavaliers opponents having 5.5 points per 100 possessions less last season when Wade was in, per Cleaning The Glass, was impressive on Dean’s part. That seemingly also shows he’s a heady off-ball defender, too.

For the other portion of the aforementioned second goal here for Wade in 2022-23, him having 7.5 points per game would be an uptick, however, this is factoring in how he could have more regular chances in Year 4.

And coincided with that mark, which would be fine for a rotational low-usage guy, Wade hitting 37.0-plus percent of his deep attempts would be some of an increase as well, based on what we’ve referenced in the last two years.

If Wade can find his rhythm more off the bench this upcoming season, provided Cleveland can find ways to get him time, that could enable him to have more of an offensive groove, too. Whether it’s at the 3 or 4, I’d look for Wade to be more in-tune to let it fly as a catch-and-shoot in his fourth season ahead.

Guys such as Darius Garland obviously, Evan Mobley perhaps and Raul Neto, and Ricky Rubio when he’s back could help Wade in doing so more this season as well. In a similar light, those players should aid Wade as a cutter.

So, hopefully the 25-year-old Kansas State product in Wade can find a way to keep on the right path in his development in the 2022-23 campaign, and help his case to stick around.