During a critical moment on February 28th, Jaylen Brown of the Boston Celtics threatened to break the Cleveland Cavaliers` impressive eight-game winning streak. After scoring consecutive baskets against Darius Garland, who was smaller in stature, Brown initiated a ball screen, anticipating a defensive switch from Cleveland. However, Dean Wade, Brown`s defender, stood firm. Wade effectively intercepted the ball handler, Derrick White, and then swiftly returned to Brown, forcing him to his left and challenging his shot. This defensive play allowed the Cavaliers to secure a stop, extend their narrow two-point lead, and continue their winning streak.
Wade concluded the game with just five points in 19 minutes of play. Unlike a previous game against the Celtics where he scored 20 points in the fourth quarter, including the game-winning shot, he wasn`t the center of attention this time. There were no celebratory moments with the Kelce brothers at courtside or appearances on ESPN podcasts. That previous offensive outburst was unusual, marking only the third time in his career he had surpassed 20 points in a game, and he has only exceeded 15 points once since then. His defensive performance against Boston was a much more accurate representation of his typical role.
Cleveland center Tristan Thompson affectionately calls him `White Blanket,` a nickname reflecting his defensive prowess, suggesting opponents find it nearly impossible to score against him.
Thompson recalls Wade`s early days, moving between the Cavaliers and their G League affiliate, the Canton Charge. He noted the team pushed Wade hard, especially during less successful periods. Thompson described Wade as the epitome of a player who works tirelessly to achieve his position. Now in his sixth NBA season, Wade has become a crucial player, capable of standing his ground and causing problems for formidable players like Brown, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Cade Cunningham.
In 2019, the odds were stacked against an undrafted rookie on a two-way contract like Wade to have a lasting NBA career, especially with the team that initially signed him. Since the introduction of two-way contracts in 2017, 829 such deals have been made. Wade is one of only six players who signed a two-way contract as rookies and have remained with their team for six seasons, joining Duncan Robinson, Lu Dort, Naz Reid, Amir Coffey, and John Konchar.
Wade admitted that when he was on a two-way contract, future prospects were not on his mind due to the immediate pressures. His focus was solely on daily tasks, workouts, and relaxing with video games like Call of Duty.
With Thompson`s departure in 2020 and return three years later, Wade and Garland now share the title of Cleveland`s longest-tenured players. The Cavaliers` communications team has often had to correct media outlets that mistakenly attribute this distinction solely to Garland.
Thompson emphasizes to Wade that he is playing with `house money,` having earned his place and deserving confidence in his on-court actions.
Wade describes his six seasons in Cleveland as an incredible journey. He jokingly wonders if the team couldn`t get rid of him, but acknowledges his continued presence. His integral role in the Eastern Conference`s top team is no accident. Coach Kenny Atkinson highlights Wade`s positive impact, stating he enhances the team and provides versatility. Before a knee injury in January, Wade, at 6-foot-9, started in 26 games, primarily at small forward, but is also effectively used as a small-ball center. While not a flashy player seeking personal accolades, Wade is the type of player capable of influencing the outcome of a playoff series.
Atkinson expressed concern when Wade was injured, recognizing him as the `link that drives winning` for the team. He is thrilled to have Wade back, as the team managed to maintain their performance during his absence but is stronger with him.
The Development of a Premier Defender
While Wade was always a dependable defender in high school and college, his current defensive prowess is remarkable. Clint Kinnamon, his high school coach from St. John, Kansas, notes his transformation into an exceptional wing defender. Despite Wade`s natural athleticism, Kinnamon admits he would have been surprised to hear Wade would become a premier defender in the NBA. After college at Kansas State, Wade and his agents emphasized his ability to guard positions 3, 4, and even 5 as he gained strength. Although he was agile for his size, Wade didn`t initially envision himself as a player tasked with guarding top players of all positions in the NBA.
Wade himself didn`t expect to become a defensive specialist. He has developed into that role, but initially, especially coming out of college, it wasn`t what he anticipated.
Wade joined a Cavaliers team in a rebuilding phase after LeBron James` departure. He experienced demanding summer league practices under coach John Beilein. Wade recalls a challenging period upon entering the league. Beilein`s tenure was short-lived, and the team made acquisitions like Andre Drummond and JaVale McGee, leading to unconventional lineups where Wade and Larry Nance Jr. played as forwards alongside two traditional centers.
Wade humorously describes those lineups as `messed-up.`
However, Wade also recognizes that being on a struggling team can be beneficial for a developing player. He praises the front office`s support and commitment during the initial rough years. The organization encouraged patience and buy-in, promising positive developments. In the G League, coach Nate Reinking, now a Cavs assistant, placed Wade in various challenging situations where he consistently succeeded, including playing center in switch-heavy defenses, requiring him to guard smaller, quicker guards.
Early in his career, Wade observed the routines of veterans like Thompson, Nance, and Kevin Love. In his second year, he dedicated himself to strength training, understanding the physical demands of high-level defense. He realized that becoming a strong defender was his path to playing time.
Wade believes that defense, especially in the NBA with its caliber of athletes, is largely driven by mental fortitude. He suggests that most players have the physical capability to be strong defenders if they commit to it mentally.
Wade`s game took a leap, increasing his playing time significantly in his second season after minimal minutes as a rookie. As he gained strength and the trust of the coaching staff, his self-perception evolved. He began to actively seek out the challenge of guarding the league`s best players.
Wade emphasizes that he takes, and has always taken, pride in his defensive role.
Garland notes that Wade carries a constant `chip on his shoulder` due to being undrafted and often overlooked. While reserved publicly, this drive is evident in his focused approach when matched up against high-profile opponents.
Humble Beginnings and a Team-First Mentality
Wade played under Coach Kinnamon for nine years, starting from third grade. Kinnamon remembers a very shy Wade who sometimes resisted going to practice. His mother, Trish, a coach herself, would encourage him to attend. Once at the gym, Wade was always eager to stay and learn.
From a young age, Wade was eager to absorb any coaching and information, always coachable and wanting to please his coaches. His shyness sometimes translated to the court, where Kinnamon had to encourage him to be more assertive in shooting and driving to the basket.
Kinnamon noted Wade’s aversion to appearing selfish.
This team-first mentality continued into the G League. Coach Reinking advised Wade not to force plays but also not to hesitate on open shots.
Reinking focused on developing Wade`s confidence to shoot, recognizing his skill but also his selfless nature.
Wade, a 37% career 3-point shooter in the NBA, acknowledges he has consistently been urged to shoot more throughout his career. However, he feels he is now taking the right shots. In high school, he prioritized involving teammates, and later he passed up shots believing better opportunities would arise. His Cavaliers coaches, including Atkinson, have reinforced the message that open shots from Wade are valuable team possessions and encouraged him to take them, expressing confidence in his shooting ability.
Brad Korn, a Kansas State coach, connected with Wade due to their shared small-town backgrounds. Korn believed that sometimes players from small towns might limit their own ambitions. He wanted Wade to realize his NBA potential and the opportunity to pursue basketball professionally.
Korn worked closely with Wade for three years, emphasizing that it was Wade`s talent and ability, not coaching wizardry, that would pave his way. In his office, Korn displayed a sign with `DBAP,` an inside joke meaning `Dean, be a player,` a phrase Coach Weber used to encourage Wade to be more assertive. It served as a visual reminder for Wade to be confident and take initiative.
Korn describes Wade as a `natural` player. While coaches have encouraged more aggression, Korn only did it once, during a halftime deficit against rival Kansas, a game Kansas State ultimately won. Wade`s instinct for making the right play is valuable, especially on a team with many scoring options. Wade notes that adapting to playing off-ball in the NBA was natural for him, contributing to his fit in Cleveland.
Korn concludes that if Wade tried to dominate scoring, he might not have found NBA success, possibly ending up playing in Europe.
A Perfect Fit in Cleveland
Wade is described as low-maintenance both on and off the court, a regular person easily approachable. He returns to his hometown and college town every summer.
Cleveland is not only a perfect team fit but also a perfect city for Wade and his family – a quieter, hardworking city where fans passionately support the team, even during less successful periods. Wade expresses his desire to remain in Cleveland long-term.
A last-minute phone call almost prevented Wade from even working out for the Cavaliers. Two days before the 2019 NBA Draft, at Detroit Metro Airport, thinking he had completed his final pre-draft workout, his agent called, rerouting him to Cleveland. A cancelled flight led to an airport hotel stay and a morning workout with minimal sleep and the same clothes from the previous day.
Despite the circumstances, Wade had an impressive workout. He then flew home to a surprise draft party organized by his mother. He watched part of the first round of the draft but mostly relaxed and enjoyed a home-cooked meal. Before the draft concluded, the Cavaliers offered him a two-way contract, as did the Timberwolves, but Cleveland seemed a better path to playing time. He accepted, marking the start of a positive journey.
Wade admits he anticipated going undrafted due to past foot injuries. He was unsure if any team would take a chance on a big man with injury concerns.
Landing in Cleveland seems like a stroke of luck for Wade, but Korn suggests the Cavaliers were equally fortunate to sign him. Korn believes that had Wade not been injured in college, he could have been a lottery pick. He highlights Wade`s potential impact if he had starred in the NCAA tournament.
During a game against the Bucks in March, Wade`s two corner threes and defense against Giannis Antetokounmpo showcased his value. Coach Atkinson emphasized Wade`s flexibility to guard top players, enabling strategic defensive formations. Wade`s versatile skill set – perimeter defense, rim protection, 3-point shooting, and offensive awareness – makes him valuable anywhere, but particularly in Cleveland.
Korn summarizes Wade as a `plug-and-play guy` who would be valuable on any team, from the Cavaliers to the Lakers to his own college team.
