JANUARY 28: A scan on Wade’s injured right knee revealed a bone bruise that will likely sideline him for multiple weeks, according to Fedor (subscription required). There’s no structural damage and it’s not related to Wade’s past knee issues, including last season’s meniscus injury, Fedor writes, but he’ll need some time to get treatment and recover before he’s ready to play again.
The expectation is that Max Strus, who has started in Wade’s place since he went down, will remain in that starting role for now, Fedor adds.
JANUARY 26: Cavaliers starting forward Dean Wade departed the third quarter of Cleveland’s 132-129 defeat to Philadelphia on Friday with a right knee injury, reports Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com.
Wade was ruled out for the Cavaliers’ next contest, a 135-131 loss to Houston on Saturday, but there has yet to be an official update on his exact diagnosis. He is considered day-to-day for now.
“He took a hit,” head coach Kenny Atkinson said of Wade. “Praying he is OK. No update yet, but he got knocked out of the game, so we’ll see.”
As Fedor notes, Cleveland has regressed mightily on defense as of late. The Cavaliers have lost three straight contests, and have gone just 2-4 across their last six games. They remain the East’s top overall seed with a 36-9 overall record, but suddenly their grip on that perch feels somewhat tenuous.
Top defenders Evan Mobley, Isaac Okoro, and Caris LeVert have all also missed time with health issues of late. Their absences, and now Wade’s, can somewhat explain Cleveland’s defensive slippage. As Fedor tweets, the Cavaliers’ defensive rating in January is 118.9, which ranks 29th in the league, ahead of only the 6-38 Wizards.
Fedor writes that Wade is their second-best defender statistically, with a 97th percentile in defensive estimated plus-minus to his credit.
Through 35 healthy bouts this season, the 6’9″ pro is averaging 6.0 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.5 blocks per game. His shooting line is .408/.349/.520.
Cavs dream season having some shake ups, reality is rough
when you start the season the way they did, you get everybody’s best punch.
The thing is they had a very healthy season overall but the real challenge starts now and winning through adversity is what is going to show if they are actually a great team capable of winning a championship or not
Got a first? You can have Yabu.
Why in the world would Cleveland want to give up a first for Yabu? that’s def not happening,
Yeah no, not a first. Maybe a couple seconds and Tristan Thompson for salary matching. Even then, he’s a PF/C, not a SF/PF like Wade, so it wouldn’t be for a Dean Wade replacement.
Cavs should be talking to Bulls about Williams.
Pat Will stinks and just signed a 5 year 90 million dollar contract. Dude had a lot of potential but never seemed to put it together. I’m all set with the Cavs taking a 90 million dollar risk on him. It’ll be interesting which way the Cavs decide to go. They are less than 2 million over the cap. Will they play the long game and get under it or will they look to take on more salary? Time will tell in a few more weeks.
First what I see and know. Is not what you see and know. Sooner you accept that. Sooner you will understand. You don’t have to agree. I’m not here for likes !!!!
Had a lot of potential. 18 mill is too much money…..
Yeah you watch sports center. We get it.
He’s 23 yrs old. And hasn’t been used or developed the right way. His strength is on D and at the 3. The Cavs would let him thrive doing just that. With those two bigs. He would get better opportunities on O. His stats right now over 36 mins. Are not bad. And that’s on a bad team. Bulls as a team don’t even play D. In the playoffs Defense is going to win a few gms. And that’s where he will pay big for Cavs. He’s a good shooter. So with better shots his splits would be better. If he gave Cavs 32 mins, 14 pts fill the stat sheet. Cause he does a little bit of everything. And give you top D. He’s well worth 18 mill a yr. It’s 2way sport. So if you can be top 2 defender on the team. Then how much offense do you need from him. His stroke and FT are very good. So he will hit good looks. Team chemistry is what carries a team to winning. He adds that to Cavs at the three. Does not need the ball on Cavs to impact game. You can’t see that cause Bulls suck. Just like Markkanben. Williams will thrive in right situation. At 23 he hasn’t even peaked or hit his prime. I’m telling you. He’s a solid addition now and for Cavs future.
It’s only January. Wade should be back by May. That’s when they’ll need him.
Meanwhile Cavs will play the vulture in the buyout market.
Torrey Craig is available. Can play the same position and a little bit better defense.
Craig is certainly available. But I beg to differ on his defense. There is almost no one in the entire league on Wade’s level. Use the stats or use the eye test, Dean is at the top. Just doesn’t have the P.R.
Craig’s also currently injured. Certainly, he’ll be back sooner than Wade, but that’s still a currently empty slot.
As long as it’s not Patrick Williams. If he was at a minimum salary like Craig, sure. But absolutely not at his current contract. Trade him to a team like Utah so they can keep a salary slot and maybe get some of his prospect shine back. He’d be a wasted salary slot for the Cavs right now. The CBA is too much of an impediment to have a dead-money contract on your roster if you’re trying to compete. And right now, that’s all he is.
Maybe the Cavs give Jaylon Tyson some run. He’s raw, but I think he can become a Josh Hart analogue in a few years. Great aggressive rebounder and aware and active on defense. His G-League and college stints have also shown some passing chops. Needs to work on his off-ball game and such, but I like what I’ve seen so far.