Why Cavs usually play Dean Wade more than Jaylon Tyson, Keon Ellis, Max Strus

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The Cleveland Cavaliers have a lot of roster depth, which can make lineup decisions difficult for head coach Kenny Atkinson.

One guy who normally comes out ahead in those decisions: Dean Wade.

Wade generally plays more than other wing players like Jaylon Tyson, Max Strus and Keon Ellis.

But why?

That's a question that both Cavs fans and the fans of opposing teams often wonder.

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Why does Dean Wade play so much?

Wade's under-the-radar skill is his individual defense.

When he starts for the Cavs, he often is assigned to guard the opposition's best player.

For example, against the Pistons in the playoffs, Wade opens games guarding Cade Cunningham.

The Cavaliers have two star guards who aren't defensive-minded in James Harden and Donovan Mitchell.

The bigs, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, are impactful defenders, but they wouldn't guard a guy like Cunningham.

That leaves one starting lineup spot to be the top wing defender. Wade beats out those other guys in that regard.

He's not a difference maker on offense, but Cleveland has enough shot makers that it's not always a big deal.

Sometimes, though, the Cavs need more buckets, and those probably aren't coming from Wade.