WASHINGTON, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- After trying his hand as a starter in the Cleveland Cavaliers lineup, Dwyane Wade is moving over to a backup role.
"Before I decided to come here, we talked about the team, what the team was and we both talked about the opportunity for me to kind of lead the second group," Wade said on Monday.
"Our goal was to try and see how it was, and I just decided to get to the unit I would be more comfortable in and can probably be better with this team," he added.
Coach Tyronn Lue also confirmed Monday that Wade spoke with him and asked to be moved to a reserve role.
Wade signed with the Cavs, reuniting him with former Miami Heat running mate LeBron James. But Wade has struggled in his starting role, shooting 28 percent (7-for-25) while averaging two rebounds and 3.3. assists per game.
Wade's move out of the starting lineup allows J.R. Smith to return to the role he had on the Cavs the last 2 and 1/2 seasons -- starting shooting guard.
Smith was initially "hurt" by the news he had lost his starting job to Wade, but vowed to not cause a disruption on the team over it.
