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Anonymous Cavaliers Coach Talks Nae’Qwan Tomlin, Cleveland Scout Dishes On Jaylon Tyson

Originally posted on Hoops Wire | By Ashish Mathur | Last updated Jul 23, 2025 2:40 PM ET

NBA reporter Keith Smith of Spotrac spoke to a Cleveland Cavaliers coach about Nae’Qwan Tomlin and a Cavaliers scout about Jaylon Tyson.

Tomlin is on a two-way contract with the Cavaliers, while Tyson was the 20th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.

On Nae’Qwan Tomlin: “Really exciting, right? We saw some of this in the G League last year. He might be a rotation guy for us this year,” a Cavaliers coach said.

On Jaylon Tyson’s development: “Right on schedule. This year, there’s a path to more minutes for Jaylon. Don’t be surprised if he’s in the rotation,” a Cavaliers scout said.

Tomlin played well in the NBA Summer League. He averaged 19.6 points, 8.2 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 2.2 steals and 0.8 blocks in five games in Las Vegas while shooting 50.0% from the field, 33.3% from beyond the arc and 85.7% from the free-throw line.

Tyson wasn’t too shabby either in Las Vegas. The second-year NBA pro averaged 19.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, 6.7 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.3 blocks in three games while shooting 40.4% from the floor, 34.8% from 3 and 81.3% from the foul line.

The Cavaliers were the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference last season. They swept the Miami Heat in the first round of the NBA playoffs but lost to the Indiana Pacers in the conference semifinals in five games.

Cleveland traded Isaac Okoro to the Chicago Bulls for Lonzo Ball and signed Larry Nance Jr. this offseason.

“It’s hard being a second apron team, but we think we did well to add some talent,” a Cavaliers exec told Smith. “Thrilled to bring Sam Merrill back. We value his shooting so much. Lonzo is really going to help us. He gives us more size and defense in the backcourt, and his passing will be so great for all of our guys.

“Larry is going to really help our frontcourt a lot. He can play either big spot and that’s huge in a rotation with Evan (Mobley) and Jarrett (Allen). We’re also excited about Tyrese Proctor too. We think he was a tremendous value pick in the second round.”