Unspoken in this thread is how JBB will integrate Love and Markk back into the lineup. Whose minutes get reduced and who returns to the bench? Hate to mess up the current chemistry.
I'm gonna assume Wade will head back to the bench. But a couple of thoughts about the current chemistry that you talk about.
Dean's high school coach (not Comeback Kid) and his high school coaches brother are two of the most decorated high school coaches in the history of Kansas high school basketball. Even though Dean dominated in high school, he was the very definition of a team player too. We played them twice in the state basketball tournament. Amazingly, many of our fans said they expected more out of Dean.
At Kansas State. That team was very much in turmoil when Dean came in as a freshman. There was a lot of individual play, not much team play, and very little chemistry. Dean played a huge role in turning a team of individuals into a team that was very tough to beat and one that had great chemistry. Meanwhile, many KSU fans were critical of his play even though they were winning and advancing deep into postseason play.
I see the same thing at Cleveland. Last season the Cavs were pretty much a team of individuals. There came a point in the season where Dean went from not even playing to starting. That's about also the point in time that the Cavs started their transformation into playing the way they are playing now. Playing the way all of you are loving watching. Playing together as a team that has chemistry.
The last 2 seasons, Dean has started 25 games. The Cavs are 13-12 in those games. 18-43 in all of the other games over the past 2 seasons. He has started 6 games this season. Cavs are 5-1 in those 6 games. Cavs are 4-4 in the ones he didn't start.
He is probably headed back to the bench to fill a different role. But make no mistake about it, he is a big piece of this thing that is happening with the Cavs.