Will Jaylon Tyson Crack the Cavs ’25 – ’26 Rotation?

Cavaliers’ Rotation

Last season, Atkinson routinely ran a 10-man rotation and even in some dire cases, 11.

The Cavaliers’ depth chart gives a picture of what roles will be up for grabs.

A backup guard to run pick and roll and an additional wing who can attack closeouts are roles that stand out on the bench. Wade, while an excellent defender, hasn’t developed the unwavering confidence to let the three fly every time he’s open. In that regard, if Tyson continues to show the confidence he demonstrated during summer league, he could earn some of Wade’s minutes.

Following the departure of Ty Jerome and considering Lonzo Ball’s injury history, there is a question of who will be the Cavs’ backup point guard. Craig Porter Jr. and possibly even this year’s second-round draft pick, Tyrese Proctor, could be in contention for the role alongside Ball and Tyson.

What Jaylon Tyson Can Offer

With those roles available, does Tyson fit the bill?

During summer league, Tyson spent the majority of his time operating as the main ball handler. Results were sort of a mixed bag, as turnovers haunted him —  12 total in three games. Since it is summer league, the turnovers don’t signal a major issue, yet. Rather, something to monitor as he racks up more time on the court.

Tyson recorded an impressive 12-assist game, which prompts thoughts about how he would look in a facilitator role with the main roster. Tyson excels in transition with precise gathers and smooth finishes at the rim. He has the ball-handling skills to operate in some tight spaces that allow him to create looks for himself and others.

One of the more promising traits he showcased was shooting off the catch with a defender nearby. This would be one of the most translatable abilities to his role on the main roster.

At 6-foot-6, Tyson has the NBA size to compete on the wing and potentially even with some small-ball forwards. He isn’t the twitchiest athlete, but he certainly has the functional athleticism to play with most NBA athletes.

During his rookie season, Jaylon Tyson started three total games. In those games he averaged 17 PPG, 7.7 RPG & 5 APG in 37.7 MPG.

Ready for Assignment

In limited opportunities, Tyson showed he can fill up the stat sheet and that he clearly has a lot to offer Cleveland. Due to some of the roster shifting during the offseason, Tyson will have a chance to make himself a regular part of Atkinson’s rotation. Tyson’s versatility allows him extra opportunities to fit into whatever the Cavs need.

With the second apron repercussions shadowing Cleveland, Tyson, on his cheap contract, cementing himself as a mainstay in the rotation would ease some of the decision-making for the organization.

Jaylon’s skills as a ball-handler and slasher complement his athleticism and shooting in a way that could earn him a second contract with the Cavs. Entering next season, Jaylon could be the type of depth piece that helps push Cleveland past the second round. He is in control of his destiny for the 2025-26 season.