The big additions for the Philadelphia 76ers are obvious. Everybody has their eyes set on the additions of Jaylen Brown and LeBron James, and for good reason! Those two are set to really change things around this franchise as everybody moves forward and Philadelphia looks to contend for a championship.
However, depth is so key in today's NBA, and President of Basketball Operations Mike Gansey made sure he found some in the 2026 offseason.
One under the radar addition is Dean Wade, who coach Nick Nurse is a big fan of, as he is somebody who provides a ton of versatility and can do so without the basketball.
On paper, Wade's numbers don't stand out. He averaged 5.8 points and 4.2 rebounds for the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2025-26 season. However, the biggest stat is his usage percentage of 9.9%. On a team that will feature high usage players like Brown, James, Tyrese Maxey, and Joel Embiid, it's so important to have a guy who doesn't need the ball and find a way to be effective. That's the role Wade will fill.
Per Cleaning the Glass, Wade shot 41% on corner 3-pointers in 2025-26. That 3-point percentage is hugely important when considering the double teams Embiid receives on a regular basis as well as how many times James and Maxey attack the paint and kick it to the corners. He understands how to play the game and find opportunities when they present themselves. Finding role players who don't need the ball will be essential for this group.
#Basketball
However, depth is so key in today's NBA, and President of Basketball Operations Mike Gansey made sure he found some in the 2026 offseason.
One under the radar addition is Dean Wade, who coach Nick Nurse is a big fan of, as he is somebody who provides a ton of versatility and can do so without the basketball.
On paper, Wade's numbers don't stand out. He averaged 5.8 points and 4.2 rebounds for the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2025-26 season. However, the biggest stat is his usage percentage of 9.9%. On a team that will feature high usage players like Brown, James, Tyrese Maxey, and Joel Embiid, it's so important to have a guy who doesn't need the ball and find a way to be effective. That's the role Wade will fill.
Per Cleaning the Glass, Wade shot 41% on corner 3-pointers in 2025-26. That 3-point percentage is hugely important when considering the double teams Embiid receives on a regular basis as well as how many times James and Maxey attack the paint and kick it to the corners. He understands how to play the game and find opportunities when they present themselves. Finding role players who don't need the ball will be essential for this group.
#Basketball
5 days ago
