Following a rather disappointing Summer League, the Cleveland Cavaliers certainly found one positive. First-round draft pick Jaylon Tyson was stellar throughout the Cavs’ five games in Vegas proving he is NBA-ready. After his performances it is likely he will see time as a rotational piece for the team in the fall.
Cavs Rookie Shines During Summer League
As a team, the Cavs went 2-3 in five games including a couple of blowout losses to the Orlando Magic and Golden State Warriors. However, regardless of the result, Tyson played well. During the Summer League, the rookie guard averaged 15.4 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 4.4 assists on 58.8% shooting and 40% from three.
Team Struggles, Tyson Struggles
As with most rookies in their first couple of games as a pro, it took Tyson a game or two to hit his stride. But when he did, he looked head and shoulders the best player on the court. In his first game against the Magic, the guard scored 15 points and added eight rebounds as the Cavs were trounced 106-79. It wasn’t an ideal debut as defensively the entire Cavs team was inferior. But, he showed his slashing ability as he shot six-of-11 from inside the three-point line. Next, when the Cavs were blown out by the Warriors in their third game in Vegas, Tyson also struggled. He scored four points on two-of-six shooting and was noticeably less aggressive than in other games. It is no surprise that the young player struggled while his team did, specifically when he was a primary scorer.
Impressive Outings
However, the Cavs played well in three of their five games, all of which Tyson was great. Against the Bucks, Lakers, and Pacers he averaged 19.3 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 5.3 rebounds. In a dominating 112-81 win against the Bucks, Tyson put up 14 points and seven rebounds in just his second game. Versus the Lakers, Tyson was an assist shy of a triple-double which would have made him the fifth-ever player to do so in the Summer League. That was easily his best game in Vegas, but against the Pacers in the team’s final outing, he took over with his scoring. In a 100-93 victory over Indiana Tyson scored 23 points on an incredibly efficient 90% shooting, including two-for-two from three.
The young wing showcased his game off the dribble, off the catch, and anything in between. His passing and strong play on the boards with his 6’6″ frame is incredibly encouraging for the Cavs. Tyson will need to continue his strong rebounding against bigger and better athletes when the season starts. The guard also recorded seven steals in five games and was constantly in passing lanes. Being an aggressive defender will allow Tyson to see the floor as much as possible as a rookie, while he goes through occasional shooting slumps.
NBA-Ready Now
It’s unusual that late first-round picks are key rotation players from day one. But, Tyson has showcased the ability to do a little bit of everything on the court proving his value to new head coach Kenny Atkinson. His near triple-double against the Lakers showcased his willingness and skill to impact the game in many different ways. The Cavs have questions surrounding their bench unit heading into the 2024-25 season and having the versatility of Tyson will certainly help ease that.
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