Cavs Open Summer League With Plenty To Watch

Like each of the other 30 teams, you Cleveland Cavaliers are in Las Vegas. Well, at least most of the players here will be called “Cleveland” for at least another week.

Whether many of them ever become Cavaliers remains to be seen.

That’s right, it’s the NBA summer league, and it tips off Thursday. The Cavs open against the Indiana Pacers at 5 p.m. EST (NBA TV, Rock Entertainment Sports Network).

What to Watch

Summer squad members Jaylon Tyson, Craig Porter Jr., and two-way man Nae’Qwan Tomlin all have NBA experience. Of everyone here, I believe Tyson stands the best chance to be a regular part of the rotation next season. The Cavs likely felt comfortable trading Isaac Okoro to Chicago (for Lonzo Ball) because of Tyson.

As a rookie, he proved that he can offer energy, defense and score in spurts. He’s also a decent NBA-level ballhandler. Tyson may have a real future in Cleveland.

Most Cavs fans are also familiar with Porter Jr. He went undrafted in 2023 but has quickly become a favorite of the coaching staff and fans with his fantastic athleticism and abaility to deliver in a pinch. Porter is still a third-string point guard, but already, he’s a darn good one.

Other than that, most eyes will be glued to Tyrese Proctor, the Cavs’ second-round pick out of Duke (No. 49 overall). If there’s one thing I’ve heard from opposing scouts, it’s that Porter is a complete player with a fairly polished game and nice shooting touch. The Cavs reportedly were trying to trade up in the second round, with their eyes on Proctor. They were thrilled when he dropped to 49.

Second-round pick Saliou Niang (No. 58 overall) will also participate, though he is expected to remain overseas for another year. Niang is another slasher-type who boasts great athleticism — though he’s still fairly raw when it comes to the NBA game.

I’m also dying to see Denver Jones, a rookie guard out of Auburn. But solely because he’s the guy who had his picture taken with LeBron James at the Cavaliers’ practice facility a few weeks ago.

Cleveland’s summer squad will be coached by Omar Cook, a former fantastic college point guard at St. John’s.

Notes

Former Cleveland State forward Tristan Enaruna will also play for the Cavs’ summer team, as will Cleveland Charge members Darius Brown and Warith Alatishe. Enaruna spent his rookie season with the Maine Celtics, Boston’s G League entry.

More Info

• Cavs’ complete summer roster
• Cavs’ Las Vegas schedule