The Cleveland Cavaliers have a clear pecking order.
The core four get most of the credit, and rightfully so, but they’re not the only ones making the clock tick.
The role players have been phenomenal all year long, even when it doesn’t show up in the stat sheet.
With that in mind, team analyst Mikey McNuggets raved about Dean Wade’s defensive IQ and ability to make adjustments.
In the latest edition of the “Ultimate Cleveland Sports Show,” McNuggets shared a clip in which Wade shut down Jaylen Brown down the stretch to help the team seal a comeback win vs. the Boston Celtics.
Dean Wade makes more winning plays that don't show up in the box score than almost anyone in the league.
The defensive adjustment the #Cavs made in the 4th on Friday — with no better example than this by Wade — is what won them the game #LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/scwA0E4gDx
— Mikey McNuggets (@MikeLucasTV) March 3, 2025
He argued that Wade was one of the most underrated players in the league because he always makes winning plays that don’t usually pop out on the stat sheet.
He raved about how he adjusted and forced Brown to his left over and over, knowing that Brown can’t be efficient when defensive players take his right hand away from him.
Wade is one of the most underrated defenders in the game.
While he doesn’t seem like the fastest guy out there, his lateral quickness makes him an absolute nightmare for smaller players.
He’s not afraid of contact, running through screens, or putting his body on the line with hustle plays.
Of course, injuries will always be a concern and a part of the equation with him.
But if he stays healthy, the team will always have at least one elite wing stopper on the court.
NEXT: Analyst Believes There's No Team That Cavs Should Be Afraid Of
