The Cleveland Cavaliers’ struggles against the Boston Celtics have become apparent, with a playoff matchup looking more likely as the season progresses.
A key factor in these struggles was the absence of Dean Wade and his impact on both ends of the floor.
The numbers tell a striking story. With Wade in the lineup, the Cavs dominate opponents by 7.2 points per 100 possessions.
Without him, that advantage nearly vanishes, dropping to a mere 0.5 points.
It’s clear why head coach Kenny Atkinson and the Cavs’ front office value Wade’s contributions so highly.
Cavaliers president Koby Altman didn’t mince words about Wade’s importance.
“We miss Dean a lot. Let’s be honest. We gotta get him healthy for the [upcoming] stretch run,” Altman said, via Evan Dammarell.
"We miss Dean a lot. Let's be honest. We gotta get him healthy for the [upcoming] stretch run."#Cavs POBO Koby Altman musing about players Cleveland has been missing lately.
— Evan Dammarell (@AmNotEvan) February 7, 2025
Relying on Wade’s availability has proven risky for Cleveland.
Though the team boasts an impressive 30-5 record with him on the court, his ongoing knee issues have raised concerns about long-term dependability.
For a team with championship aspirations, this vulnerability needed addressing. Wade’s absences have exposed a gap in the Cavaliers’ rotation that becomes particularly glaring against top-tier opponents like the Celtics.
As the NBA trade deadline approached, the Cavaliers took decisive action to shore up their roster.
With time running short, they secured forward De’Andre Hunter from the Atlanta Hawks, adding much-needed depth to their rotation.
Hunter provides insurance against Wade’s health concerns while giving the Cavs another versatile option for their playoff push.
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