Tyson can earn minutes this season.
Young NBA players, specifically those still trying to find their place in the league, can seldom afford to miss capitalizing on opportunities to prove themselves. Jaylon Tyson will get a fair shot at earning minutes this season with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Tyson was the 20th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. He had a stellar summer in Las Vegas before finding himself out of the rotation for his entire rookie year in Cleveland. This was primarily because the Cavaliers were on fire, winning 64 games and hardly needing a rookie guard to play minutes.
Next season will be different. Not only is Tyson a year older and carrying slightly heavier expectations — but the Cavs rotation should have more openings. Isaac Okoro is gone. Lonzo Ball, who is filling his place, has never been known for his availability. Pair this with losing Ty Jerome in free agency and an injury to Darius Garland that could hold him out for the first month of the season — and Tyson will have the largest runway of his career (so far).
Tyson is a 6’5” combo guard whose best moments in both Las Vegas Summer Leagues have come with him handling the ball. This is slightly concerning as his primary role with the Cavs would be playing without the rock, serving more as a catch-and-shoot threat who can occasionally create for himself.
Today’s NBA calls for versatility. Tyson, while early in his development, already has the foundations of a creator. He processes the floor well and has a competent enough handle to get to his spots. Polishing this aspect of his game while improving as a three-point shooter would make him a complete role player.
Just as important, Tyson must become an impactful defender. His bulky frame and decent athleticism give Tyson the tools to defend at the NBA level. But his motor and knack for tracking down rebounds could be the difference maker. Every team needs a scrappy role player who isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty on the glass.
Tyson has the potential to be a positive contributor on both ends of the floor. He’ll get a chance to sink or swim early on this season. If Tyson pans out, the Cavaliers will have a wealth of depth in their backcourt.