Dean Wade, Caris LeVert Options To Fill In For Injured Max Strus, Cavs’ Kenny Atkinson Suggests

October 22, 2024

We’re not yet into the NBA season and already the Cavaliers are down one starter. That would be none other than small forward/wing Max Strus, who will miss at least the first 5-6 weeks with a sprained ankle.

So, who starts in Strus’ place? Ah, yes, that is the question.

Coach Kenny Atkinson did his best to answer, suggesting that it could be determined by matchups. It sounds as if the most likely options are either Caris LeVert or Dean Wade.

“I think it’s going to be really dependent on who we play and read it off that,” Atkinson told NBA reporters. “Everyone, the first thing they think, ‘Well, what does those starters look like?’ What do those second rotations look like? What do the third rotations look like?

“So, that’s a big part of the decision because we have to have balance. We can’t have the starting lineup really strong, and then kind of two lineups down we’re kind of weak. We got to find that balance, and that’s defense and offensive balance.”

LeVert would offer more scoring punch, while Wade would offer more size. The initial thought is that LeVert may be more valuable in reserve, as the Cavs could use his point production off the bench.

Meanwhile, Wade can stretch the floor and keep things moving next to the Core Four of Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. This isn’t a shot at LeVert, but Wade is less ball-dominant. That may work better in the starting lineup.

And this isn’t a shot at Wade, but LeVert is better at getting quick buckets and creating some momentum. That may work better in reserve.

Either way, whoever starts may not finish. Along with LeVert and/or Wade, Atkinson could throw out a three-guard lineup using Ty Jerome or Sam Merrill alongside the starters at times. Or maybe Isaac Okoro at times. Or heck, maybe even Georges Niang.

Basically, when you’re down a starter, you generally take the approach of filling in by committee. Expect to see a lot of that as the Cavs wait for Strus to get back on the court.