Cavs 2026 NBA Draft grades for every pick

TRADED Pick No. 29: Alex Karaban (UConn)
ACQUIRED Pick No. 34: Meleek Thomas (Arkansas)

Overall Grade: B+

After selecting UConn’s winningest player in program history with Alex Karaban, the Cavaliers traded for the 34th overall pick with the Sacramento Kings in addition to a 2032 second-round pick. The Kings were clearly looking to bolster their play-making ability alongside No. 7-overall pick Darius Acuff Jr., so a willing passer who can shoot the ball like Karaban should fit into their scheme nicely.

On the other side, the Cavs’ landed the much more physically talented player in Arkansas freshman Meleek Thomas and while he’s seen as a bit of a work-in-progress, his ceiling has been highly regarded as he’s drawn comparisons to players like Jordan Clarkson or Tyler Herro. Standing 6-foot-3 with a 6’6.75″ wingspan, he’s a versatile scorer who can create with his mid-range shooting while also slashing to the hoop and getting a bucket whenever needed.

Thomas also does a great job moving without the ball and provides and important role in spacing the floor, which will work wonders for the Cavaliers with capable scorers like Donovan Mitchell and James Harden sharing the floor. His time playing alongside Darius Acuff Jr. is a clear indicator he’s able to contribute in a multitude of way. He’ll also be able to free himself up for scoring opportunities off the bench, hoping to replicate his 43.5% FG and 41.6% 3P numbers from his freshman season.

Additionally, the Cavs’ will save rookie cap space while also adding to their future draft stock, giving them more flexibility to make a move in the market now to maximize their championship window. Behind the scenes, the draft day trade makes great sense for the Cavs’ contract situations and it seems as though Sacramento is happy with the player they were able to add in Alex Karaban.

While no trade is perfect, the Cavaliers did a great job here and should be the likely frontrunners to land LeBron James this offseason. We’ve seen what James can do in making the players around him better, so it would be a great deal to have Thomas play alongside the best teammate to ever do it. Overall, he has great potential and a chance to develop within a great system, so expect a solid few first seasons out of Meleek Thomas once he’s able to find his fit within this roster.