Dwyane Wade to come off the bench for Cavs; JR to take his place in starting 5
What's the story?
Three-time NBA Champion Dwyane Wade will come off the bench for the reigning Eastern Conference Champions - the Cleveland Cavaliers. The decision was announced during the team's practice on Monday.
In case you didn't know..
After losing their game against the Orlando Magic at home, Wade apparently approached head coach Tyronn Lue over the weekend with the proposition of him coming off the bench. The proposition included the team's former starting shooting guard J.R. Smith regaining his earlier position.
The heart of the matter...
Although the Cavaliers were fine through three games, with a record of 2-1, Wade was struggling to find his role in the team. He is averaging 5.7 points and 3.3 assists on 28% shooting from the field. After the loss to the Magic on Saturday, this is what he had to say:
“I’m trying to find it, man. It’s very different, different than I’ve ever played. Just trying to find my way, as we go on, see how I can be best for this team. Everything’s happened so fast. This has been a long, long week.”
There were a few talks in the beginning when Wade initially joined the team, about his role in the team - starting 5 or bench. His starting role was made official, few days prior to the season tip-off, however, three games in Wade and head coach are on the same page regarding his role as the ball-handler and floor general for the team's second unit.
What next?
Cleveland will have a chance to test their new line-up against the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday night. The team will already be shorthanded, missing two essential rotation guards in Derrick Rose, who sprained his left ankle against the Bucks, and Isaiah Thomas, who's still rehabbing his injured hip from the offseason.
Author's take
Given how dominating LeBron James can be, it is essential that the team support him by putting shooters around to him to make everybody a threat. In the team's starting line-up for the season opener against the Boston Celtics, there was Derrick Rose and Wade, who aren't exactly known for their long-range shooting.
It was always going to be more beneficial for Wade to come off the bench. This is a great move for both team and player and should only have a positive impact.