Jaylon Tyson Is Emerging as a Leader

This type of accountability isn’t common amongst young players on championship-hopeful teams. At the time of his comments, the team had fallen to 12-9 and the seventh seed, which would land them in the play-in. 

Head Coach Kenny Atkinson was asked about his comments and backed him up, which is evidence of the respect he has garnered in the locker room. While it may not be customary in the NBA, Tyson showing this type of leadership is a net positive for a team trying to overcome the challenges of the long season. With Jarrett Allen, Darius Garland, Max Strus, and Sam Merrill all missing significant time, somebody other than Donovan Mitchell has to step up on and off the court. 

On-Court Production

Not only is the former Cal Golden Bear stepping up off the court, but he is also backing up his comments with energy and production on the court. 

In the four games following his comments, Tyson has averaged 19 points, 8.75 rebounds, and 2.75 assists.

On the season, Jaylon is shooting 46.7% from three on 4.6 attempts per game. He is the team leader in catch and shoot 3p% at 46.7%, with all of his threes being assisted on. This shooting meshes effortlessly with Mitchell and Garland’s playstyle, as they operate in a heavy pick-and-roll environment. 

While those numbers are impressive for a player who wasn’t thought of as a great three-point shooter, it has been his finishing at the rim that has stood out even more. In the previous season, Tyson shot 53.3% between 0 and 3 feet. In his second year, Tyson has upped that number to 68.4%. 

This level of production is unusual for a 20th overall pick. In the last 10 drafts, only three players at that slot have averaged at least 13 points, five rebounds, and one assist. It has only been 20 games, so there is plenty of time for those numbers to go up or down. 

Promising Future

If Tyson remains consistent, he will earn a healthy second contract after his third season. In the short term, Tyson has earned a real opportunity to help a team win as it looks to make a deep playoff run. 

After his first four games of the season, Tyson hasn’t had a game with fewer than six shot attempts. Even recording five games with over 10 attempts. This level of aggression and confidence is exactly the juice Cleveland needs.

What levels can he ascend to next?