Sixers’ Dean Wade expects ‘madhouse’ for LeBron James’ return to face Cavs

Dean Wade knows what happens when LeBron James comes back to face the Cavaliers. He spent seven seasons watching it from the home side.

Tonight, he gets the visiting team’s view.

Wade returns to Rocket Arena with James and the 8-1 Sixers, and he has a pretty good idea of the atmosphere awaiting them.

“In my seven years here, anytime that LeBron came back it was just a madhouse. It was crazy. The fans were awesome. So I expect that is what tonight’s going to be like,” Wade said, via ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.

James will understandably get most of the attention. But Wade has given the Sixers plenty to appreciate during their fast start.

Signed to a four-year, $39 million deal, Wade is averaging 26.3 minutes and 1.9 steals. His ability to handle different assignments has already won over Tyrese Maxey, as Adam Aaronson of PhillyVoice detailed.

“He’s in the position where some nights he’ll start, some nights he won’t start, some nights he’ll play five, some nights he’ll guard Jalen Brunson, he’ll guard [Karl-Anthony Towns],” Maxey said. “He’s – I love Dean Wade.”

Cavs fans know the appeal. Wade can help without needing the offense built around him, and a team with James, Joel Embiid and Maxey has plenty of use for that.

The Cavs, meanwhile, are 4-4 and looking to end a two-game skid. They also have an opening-night loss to the Sixers to address after letting a 29-point lead disappear.

Wade expects the crowd to bring its best. The Cavs need to give it something to celebrate.

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