BY JIM MISUNAS
jmisunas@gbtribune.com
NICKERSON -- Dean Wade's multi-year $38.7M NBA contract was welcome news in Philadelphia.
Of course, Wade's contract was pushed to the back sports page when NBA legend LeBron James agreed to join the Philadelphia 76ers a few days later.
"I got a bunch of phone calls and people asked, 'Why didn't you tell us? I had no idea we'd sign LeBron," Wade said. "It was surprising, but awesome news. I never thought that could happen."
The St. John legend and Kansas State standout sponsored a free youth basketball camp in Nickerson recently after signing a 4-year 76ers contract after earning a reputation as a NBA defensive stopper.
"It was a great feeling to see all the work I've done my whole life pay off," he said. "We ended talking to 22 teams. Teams noticed, especially at the top NBA level."
Wade's professional journey with the Cleveland Cavaliers started with a free agent contract that lasted seven years
"When I started, I had no idea how long I'd last," Wade said. "I've told my grandma and mom and dad, I'll keep playing basketball until the wheels fall off. I promised them I'd work every day."
Wade believes his ability to maintain a steady demeanor has always paid dividends.
"Basketball is an up-and-down game with runs, stops and turnovers. If I stay even-keeled, I can play at the same level all the time.
By NBA standards, Wade's offensive skill level is limited. But he's developed a niche as a spot-up 3-point shooter and a defensive savant capable of defending a variety of offensive styles.
Wade's defensive assignment with Cleveland was filled with NBA All-Stars -- Kevin Durant, Kawai Leonard, Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Cade Cunningham, Jalen Brunson, Brandon Ingram and of course, LeBron James.
Cleveland's coaches respected Wade's unmatched effort of scouting his defensive assignment against the league's elite scorers.
"When you study the top guys, you look at percentages and tendencies," he said. "You look at shooting percentages going left or right. But those 'tendencies' can change quickly. You try and take away moves and live with giving up some things."
Wade thrived against Toronto's high-scoring Brandon Ingram (21 ppg), literally earning a multi-million-dollar contract boost. Wade held Ingram to 1 of 9 shooting and a team best +34 net defensive rating in Game 1.
"Toronto's Ingram comes to mind. He's big (6-8), one of my least favorite people to guard," Wade said. "I didn't let him catch it. That's my best NBA playoff series I've played."
NBA playoff intensity is next level.
"Playoff intensity goes up 10 fold," he said. "Every possession matters. The physical intensity bumps up because the refs let you play. The playoffs are different, but more fun. It's bad when you get ticky-tac fouls."
Even the best laid plans spoil projected matchups.
"They knock you off on screens," he said. "Guys like Brunson are so good when they get their angle. He's quick enough to get to his spots. Once Brunson gets past you, it's game over."
Wade's career high 23-point game occurred against Boston March 5, 2024 when his 20-point fourth period sparked a 22-point comeback.
"I got in a 'flow 'state of mind where I didn't hear the crowd or my teammates," he said. "Every time I touched the ball, I knew it was going in. I was lucky the ball kept coming to me."
Wade credits his parents Jay and Trish Wade for teaching him that hard work and persistence could achieve goals that he never envisioned as a youngster growing up in St. John, Kansas.
"My mom and dad taught me the right way. My confidence was instilled in me by my parents," he said. "They instilled the thought, 'never let your teammates down.' That's always been my biggest fear. I cannot let my teammates down."
Wade ran track and played high school football, but his love of basketball
"I've broken down plays since I was young," he said. "I love the game and watched basketball every day as a kid. We had a great coach at St. John in Clint Kinnamon. He taught us fundamentals and didn't let pick up bad habits."
Wade believes he was fortunate to compete four years at Kansas State, which provided an opportunity to sharpen his skills.
"You used to see college players develop their game," he said. "There's just a few players who stay at the same school for four years. Now, every year you can go wherever you want."
