NBA exec on Cavs replacing Dean Wade with Peyton Watson: ‘Just the optics’

The Cavs wanted more athleticism on the wing when they acquired Peyton Watson. Eleven games into the season, they’re still trying to turn that addition into a better basketball team.

And at least one rival executive believes they lost something important along the way.

Speaking with Eric Pincus of Casino.org, an Eastern Conference executive questioned the Cavs’ offseason transition from Dean Wade to Watson.

“Wade is way underrated. And Watson is just the optics,” the executive told Pincus.

That’s a harsh assessment of Watson this early. But the point about Wade deserves consideration.

Pincus highlighted Wade’s ability to defend, make quick decisions and keep the ball moving. He’s taking only three shots per game for the Sixers, yet averaging 24.4 minutes. Watson, meanwhile, is shooting 21.6% from beyond the arc as he adjusts to the Cavs.

The question isn’t simply which player has more talent. It’s what the lineup needs around Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen.

There are already plenty of players who need touches. Someone who can defend, rebound and move a possession along without needing much offense himself has value. Wade provided that, even when his contributions weren’t especially noticeable.

That doesn’t make his departure the explanation for a 5-6 start. The Cavs’ problems have involved far more than one position, including the familiar rebounding and defensive breakdowns that surfaced again in Monday’s loss to the Hornets.

The executive also told Pincus that doubts from last season’s playoffs appear to have carried into this season. That’s an outside assessment, rather than evidence of a fractured locker room. But the Cavs certainly haven’t played with much consistency.

As we’ve noted, the sense here is that Kenny Atkinson isn’t currently in danger of losing his job. There are rotation and role adjustments to explore before considering something that drastic.

Getting Watson comfortable is part of that work. So is figuring out how to replace the less glamorous contributions Wade took with him.

The Cavs don’t need Watson to become Wade. They need the lineup around their stars to function better than it has.