Dean Wade discusses having to play small-ball 5 amid Sixers injuries
New addition Dean Wade opens up on having to play some small ball 5 with the Philadelphia 76ers dealing with injuries.
Philadelphia 76ers coach Nick Nurse has been forced to rely on Dean Wade to play small-ball 5 due to injuries to big men Ariel Hukporti, Adem Bona, and Tacko Fall. Standing at 6-foot-9 and 228 pounds, Wade possesses the size to handle the position, but faces challenges against taller opponents like Celtics big man Mitchell Robinson and Knicks' Karl-Anthony Towns and Andre Drummond.
Wade emphasizes the importance of communication and positioning on defense, as well as cutting speed, setting screens, and creating mismatches on offense. His primary advantage is spacing, which allows him to stretch the paint and grab long rebounds. Wade's role as a small-ball 5 is similar to his regular position, with the main difference being the increased physical battles.
In the absence of Joel Embiid, Wade and fellow backup Jabari Walker will be tasked with handling the position, with the team's overall health for opening night remaining to be seen.
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