CLEVELAND, OHIO – DECEMBER 15: Josh Christopher #9 of the Houston Rockets shoots over Dylan Windler #9 as Dean Wade #32 and Denzel Valentine #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers watch during the fourth quarter at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on December 15, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Rockets 124-89. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
It takes a village for last season’s third-worst NBA team to blossom into a bonafide contender in less than a year’s time. The Cleveland Cavaliers have benefitted from multiple individual breakout seasons, some of which have flown under the radar.
By now, you’ve heard about Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen. Two potential All-Stars and the leader in the Rookie of the Year race have Cleveland in a position for longevity.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have multiple hidden gems on their roster
Brewing under the surface is a Sixth Man of the Year candidate in Kevin Love, who is averaging 14.2 points on above 40 percent three-point shooting in just 21.6 minutes of playing time. His veteran leadership has kept the Cavs afloat throughout a challenging season.
Then, there are guys like Cedi Osman, who is having a career year from deep, as well as Ricky Rubio, who was a sturdy presence before suffering a season-ending injury.
However, three other role players have been consistently proving their worth. These hidden gems each have their own stories and have embraced their status as underdogs.
Today, we highlight the Cavaliers’ three hidden gems and take a look at how they’ve managed to succeed despite numerous obstacles in their way.
*Stats valid as of January 28
Cleveland </a>Cavaliers have benefitted from multiple individual breakout seasons, some of which have flown under the radar.</p>
<p>By now, you’ve heard about Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen. Two potential All-Stars and the leader in the Rookie of the Year race have Cleveland in a position for longevity.</p>
<h2>The Cleveland Cavaliers have multiple hidden gems on their roster</h2>
<p>Brewing under the surface is a Sixth Man of the Year candidate in Kevin Love, who is averaging 14.2 points on above 40 percent three-point shooting in just 21.6 minutes of playing time. His veteran leadership has kept the Cavs afloat throughout a challenging season.</p>
<p>Then, there are guys like Cedi Osman, who is having a career year from deep, as well as Ricky Rubio, who was a sturdy presence before <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/01/31/cleveland-cavaliers-hidden-gems/"https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/ricky-rubio-injury-update-cavaliers-guard-out-for-remainder-of-season-with-torn-acl/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">suffering a season-ending injury</a>.</p>
<p>However, three other role players have been consistently proving their worth. These hidden gems each have their own stories and have embraced their status as underdogs.</p>
<p>Today, we highlight the Cavaliers’ three hidden gems and take a look at how they’ve managed to succeed despite numerous obstacles in their way.</p>
<p><em>*Stats valid as of January 28</em></p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/01/31/cleveland-cavaliers-hidden-gems/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 3 </a>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">PORTLAND, OREGON – JANUARY 07: Lamar Stevens # 8 of the Cleveland Cavaliers prepares to shoot a free throw during the second half against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on January 07, 2022 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>Cleveland Cavaliers’ hidden gems: Lamar Stevens</h2>
<p>The first of two undrafted players to appear on our list, Lamar Stevens has earned his place in the NBA by being a two-way force for the Cleveland Cavaliers.</p>
<p>Stevens played four seasons at Penn State, averaging 17.6 points and 6.9 rebounds as a senior. The fact that he was a slightly older prospect who lacked an elite skill held Stevens back from being selected in the 2020 NBA Draft.</p>
<p>Instead, Stevens found himself joining the Cavaliers, who were depleted at the wing position in the 2020-21 season. It did not take long for Stevens to flash his potential, slamming down a game-winning dunk versus Atlanta in his 21st game with the Cavs.</p>
<p>Since then, Stevens has built a reputation for being a gritty defender who can guard multiple positions. His athleticism and 6-7, muscular frame give him the physical tools needed to be a versatile perimeter defender.</p>
<p>His opportunities for extended playing time have been limited but Stevens strung together multiple career-high games this season, scoring 17 points versus Golden State and then 23 points on 10-of-15 shooting against Utah in the same week.</p>
<p>Stevens has value as a quality defender and scorer in transition. His three-point shot continues to hold him back (shooting just 32.5 percent) but his silky-smooth mid-range has helped him remain viable in half-court offense.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/01/31/cleveland-cavaliers-hidden-gems/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 2 </a>
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<img class="wp-image-441363 size-full" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/01/31/cleveland-cavaliers-hidden-gems/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2133,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1367217063.jpeg" alt="3 hidden gems on the Cleveland Cavaliers' roster this season" width="3200" height="2133" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1367217063.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1367217063-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">CLEVELAND, OHIO – JANUARY 26: Dean Wade #32 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks to make a pass during the first quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on January 26, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>Cleveland Cavaliers’ hidden gems: Dean Wade</h2>
<p>Another undrafted gem, Dean Wade has made Kansas State University proud by becoming a key component to the Cleveland Cavaliers’ success.</p>
<p>Wade’s path to starting in Cleveland has been a bumpy road. He appeared in the starting lineup 19 times last season and has already done the same in 18 games this year. Yet, he has oddly been taken out of the rotation at seemingly random times.</p>
<p>Nonetheless, Wade almost always makes the most of his opportunities. He’s shooting 6-of-10 from the three-point line over his last two games. Wade is also nailing a red-hot 45.6 percent of his catch-and-shoot attempts since late December.</p>
<p>In addition to being one of the most consistent shooters on the roster, Wade’s fundamental skills as a defender have allowed him to seamlessly fit in with the starters. The Cavaliers have a DRTG of 102.8 with Wade on the court versus 104.6 without him.</p>
<p>A trustworthy shooter who can play defense and make good decisions with the ball is about all you could ask for from an undrafted talent – and Wade does this effortlessly.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/01/31/cleveland-cavaliers-hidden-gems/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 1 </a>
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<img class="wp-image-441366 size-full" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/01/31/cleveland-cavaliers-hidden-gems/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2133,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1351290044.jpeg" alt="3 hidden gems on the Cleveland Cavaliers' roster this season" width="3200" height="2133" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1351290044.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1351290044-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">CLEVELAND, OHIO – NOVEMBER 03: Dylan Windler #9 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to the basket around Robert Covington #33 of the Portland Trail Blazers during the second half at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on November 03, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Trail Blazers 107-104. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>Cleveland Cavaliers’ hidden gems: Dylan Windler</h2>
<p>While his peers, Dean Wade and Lamar Stevens, have mostly uncovered themselves as gems – Dylan Windler remains hidden. His talent is obvious but has yet to translate consistently to the NBA world.</p>
<p>On paper, Windler is the perfect wing to play heavy minutes in Cleveland. He’s a knockdown shooter with a high IQ and above-average rebounding ability. Add a flare for some surprisingly clean passes and Windler is the prototypical space-and-pace forward that has taken the league by storm.</p>
<p>The biggest problem? Health.</p>
<p>Up to this point, Windler has not appeared in more than 16 consecutive games before suffering a setback. It’s undeniable that this has played a role in his inconsistent performances.</p>
<p>If there is one thing any shooter needs in order to make an impact, it’s rhythm. For Windler, an injury-ridden career has been the number one thing holding him back from hitting his stride.</p>
<p>Even so, Windler is an efficient 39.6 percent three-point shooter this season. It feels like he should be attempting <em>more </em>than 1.6 attempts per game, but this could come with confidence.</p>
<p>It won’t be easy for Windler to break into a heavy rotational spot with players like Wade, Stevens, Cedi Osman,kingja and Lauri Markkanen eating up minutes. But, if he can stay healthy and continue to drill open shots, he’ll become too valuable to keep on the bench.</p>
<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="StoryLink" data-theme="dark" data-text="Cavaliers ultimate guide to the trade deadline" data-url="https://hoopshabit.com/2022/01/28/nba-trades-cavaliers-nba-trade-deadline/" data-call-to-action="Next"> <div class="story-link-next"> <a class="story-link-next-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="story-link-next-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/01/31/cleveland-cavaliers-hidden-gems/"https://hoopshabit.com/2022/01/28/nba-trades-cavaliers-nba-trade-deadline/"> <span class="call_to_action">Next:</span> Cavaliers ultimate guide to the trade deadline </a> </div>
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