David Nwaba brings a defensive reputation, not an offensive one, as a new member of the Cavaliers after leaving Chicago. (Joshua Gunter, cleveland.com)

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- There's no one else on the Cavaliers like David Nwaba. He puts defense first, building a reputation as a rugged, tenacious and pesky perimeter defender who plays much bigger than his 6-4 stature.

It's a welcome addition for a team that's been near the bottom of the defensive rankings the last few years.

In the run-up to the Cavs' 2018-19 training camp that starts with media day on Sept. 24, cleveland.com is taking a look at each roster player and what might be expected this season if this team is to survive LeBron James' departure and make a legitimate run at a playoff spot.

The Cavs, even with the loss of James, have a handful of players capable of putting the ball in the basket. What they need is more resistance at the point of attack -- a season-long problem area.

JR Smith, once looked at as Cleveland's best perimeter defender, ranked as one of the league's worst last season. Kyle Korver struggles to keep up athletically. George Hill has slipped at that end of the floor.

Enter Nwaba, who the Cavs will be relying on to step into that stopper role and help set a new tone.

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Season rewind

Nwaba averaged 7.9 points on 47.8 percent from the field and 34.6 percent from 3-point range to go with 1.5 assists and 4.7 rebounds. He made 21 starts and averaged a career-best 23.5 minutes while appearing in 70 games with the Bulls.

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Great expectations

Those in Chicago were surprised by Nwaba's expanded role during the 2017-18 season. He's not flashy. He offers very little on offense outside the paint. And he's still not an accomplished 3-point shooter, even unwilling to take them to keep the defense honest. The 25-year-old guard has launched just 57 in 90 games. Even with that shaky jumper and a limited offensive repertoire, Nwaba found other ways to make an impact in Chicago, helping him earn consistent playing time.

“David knows who he is, and he's not going to try to play outside that. He's a guy that understands he's at his best when he's attacking the basket,” Bulls head coach Fred Hoiberg said in January. “We need David in attack mode.

The Cavs won't have the talent edge most nights like they did the past four years. They likely won't have the same prolific offense, either. Winning will mean playing above their talent level and outworking the opponent. It will also mean more of a commitment to defense, no longer able to outshoot their mistakes. To be that kind of hard-working group, the Cavs need players like Nwaba, a sturdy 209-pound pitbull who has a seven-foot wingspan and the athleticism to defend multiple positions.

If he can improve on offense and not disrupt Cleveland's spacing, the soon-to-be free agent could carve out a significant role and allow the Cavs to contemplate trading some of their veteran wings.

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Nwaba is at his best on offense when attacking the basket. (Jeff Haynes, Associated Press)

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Contract status

Nwaba will make the veteran's minimum worth $1.5 million. Following this season, the Cavs could make him a restricted free agent with a $1.9 million qualifying offer.

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How Cleveland got him

Initially the Bulls extended a qualifying offer to Nwaba, making him a restricted free agent. But a few costly moves this summer -- inking Zach LaVine to massive extension and prying Jabari Parker away from the Bucks -- led to the Bulls rescinding Nwaba's offer.

After garnering interest from a few teams, Nwaba agreed to join the Cavs about two months ago. He finally signed the deal, with the announcement coming from general manager Koby Altman, on Sept. 8.

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Yessir @dnwaba0 let’s get it bro!! 💪🏼💪🏼 — Larry Nance Jr (@Larrydn22) August 1, 2018

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Big summer news

Beyond figuring out his next NBA stop, Nwaba's summer was quiet.

He didn't get married like two of his teammates. He didn't play internationally. There was no injury to rehab. And he stayed relatively quiet on social media. The only big news is being reunited with Larry Nance Jr. and Jordan Clarkson -- two guys Nwaba played with briefly in Los Angeles.