Shining Cavaliers: Star Players Flourish in Support-Driven Teams
Which Cavalier role player will play the biggest part in the playoffs?
CLEVELAND, OH - OCTOBER 14: Jaylon Tyson #20 and Dean Wade #32 of the Cleveland Cavaliers high five during the game against the Detroit Pistons during Preseason on October 14, 2025 at Rocket Arena 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images The playoffs are just a month away for the Cleveland Cavaliers .
That’s exciting, but also daunting for a team that is still trying to figure out how they want to play. The additions of James Harden, Dennis Schroder, and Keon Ellis have bolstered the team. Each has brought something necessary to the group that should help them in the playoffs.
The issue is that they haven’t had much time to figure out the lineups and rotations around the new players, given the injuries and the short amount of time they’ve had together. Generally speaking, the Cavs will go as far as their best players take them in the postseason. Donovan Mitchell, Harden, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen will each need to be healthy and playing near their best if they’re going to get through teams like the Boston Celtics , Detroit Pistons , or New York Knicks .
That said, playoff games can also be swung by role players. The Cavs have plenty who can do so. Earlier this week, we asked which role player is most important for the Cavs among the group of Jaylon Tyson, Dean Wade, Sam Merrill, Dennis Schroder, and any of the other players not listed.