Dean Wade will see more time at center for the Cleveland Cavaliers in the wake of Evan Mobley's injury.
The Cleveland Cavaliers are running out of options in their frontcourt. Evan Mobley could be sidelined up to a month, Jarrett Allen is still getting back up to speed after missing nine out of ten games, and Kenny Atkinson had no additional updates on Larry Nance Jr.
That means Cleveland’s reserves must step up in the meantime, and there’s one player in particular who could be an x-factor for the Wine and Gold over the next few weeks as the team looks to get back on track.
Wade can do a little bit of everything when he’s on the floor. He’s a great defender, can space the floor with his three-point shooting, and can be in either forward position or slide down to the center. All of these factors will be important, as the Cavaliers are forced to run more small-ball lineups in Mobley’s absence.
Oct 7, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Dean Wade (32) drives to the basket against Chicago Bulls guard Ayo Dosunmu (11) during the first half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn ImagesEven Kenny Atkinson admitted that Wade will be a “super important” piece for the Cavaliers as they continue to navigate the frontcourt injuries.
“We’re gonna have to play some small ball with him at the five,” continued Cleveland’s head coach. “It was really good for us last year, I thought it was good last game.”
In Cleveland’s first game without Mobley, Wade played 31 minutes and probably had his best performance of the season. He scored 14 points and grabbed eight rebounds while shooting 55 percent (5-for-9) from the floor and 50 percent (3-for-6) from behind the arc.
Atkinson even added that he thinks Wade playing more at center over the next few weeks could actually elevate his game.
“I do think when he plays the fine, it’s a little easier [to shoot]. He gets more time and space to shoot the ball,” said Cleveland’s coach.
Wade can’t do everything, though, and other members of the Wine and Gold’s roster must also step up. Atkinson especially pointed out that with Wade playing more center, “that means we have to guard the ball better because we don’t have the rim protector.”
Dean Wade alone can’t help the Cavaliers stay afloat and get back on track, but he certainly can, and needs to give Cleveland more versatility with Mobley’s injury.