Kansas State's most prominent NBA alumnus had a week to remember — and forget — in Philadelphia.
Dean Wade missed the 76ers' first two games of the 2026-27 season due to injury, sitting out both the October 21 opener against the Knicks and the October 22 matchup against his former Cleveland Cavaliers squad. The absence was a storyline in its own right: Wade had been a Cavaliers starter in a previous stint, and Philadelphia's schedule had set up what would have been a pointed reunion in the season's opening week.
The Return
Wade made his season debut count on October 24, logging 28 minutes in the 76ers' 127-116 win over the Milwaukee Bucks. The K-State product finished with 7 points, 2 rebounds, 3 steals, and a block — a defensive impact line that underscored why Philadelphia signed the veteran forward in the first place. After missing time following a questionable status out of the preseason finale against Boston, Wade looked every bit the capable two-way forward Philly is counting on to fill out its frontcourt rotation.
Three steals in 28 minutes is a performance that goes beyond box-score filler. For a team still assembling its identity early in the season, Wade's ability to disrupt passing lanes and protect the rim gives head coach Nick Nurse a reliable option off the bench — or in a starting role, depending on how Philly's injury situation evolves.
The Bigger Picture
No other K-State alumni logged notable stats during the October 18–24 window. Markquis Nowell remains on the Rockets' roster as a backup point guard, Arthur Kaluma is with the Lakers, and Keyontae Johnson is on the Hornets' frontcourt depth chart — but none of the three surfaced in the research window with standout performances.
That leaves Wade as the week's clear headliner, and it's a role the Manhattan product earned. Coming back healthy and productive after missing the first chapter of a new team's season is never guaranteed. For Kansas State fans keeping tabs on the pros, Wade's bounce-back outing against the Bucks was a welcome sign that the 76ers' new piece is ready to contribute.
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