In the 2024 NBA draft, the Cleveland Cavaliers selected Jaylon Tyson with the 20th overall pick. With the acquisition of DeAndre Hunter, Tyson played a very small role on the team, basically only playing minutes at the end of games.
However, with the plethora of injuries to begin this season, Tyson has seen an increased role, and he has been electric. Throughout the first six games of the season, Tyson has averaged 24.2 minutes per game, 9.7 points per game, all while shooting 43.5% from downtown. He has two games above 15+ points, and he has played great on the defensive end as well, including three blocks against the Raptors.
Tyson adds plenty of versatility off the bench, which seems to be the theme of this Cavaliers team. Tyson is a proven three-point threat, and with his 6’6 frame, he can be placed into the dunker spot. However, the best part of his game is his underrated athleticism. Tyson has the speed to push the floor with the ball in his hands, all the while slamming down a dunk on an unsuspecting defender. Someone check on RJ Barrett.
Not only does Tyson have every physical attribute to be great, but his defensive energy is also unmatched. With the injuries plaguing the team this season, it has been difficult for this team to find defensive intensity, but Tyson brings it in a big way. The game that truly stands out is the game against the Raptors. Tyson had three blocks and helped hold Scottie Barnes to 14 points.
Tyson was also able to score 18 points while being guarded by one of their best defenders in Collin Murray-Boyles. Throughout the draft, Murray-Boyles was regarded as one of the best defenders, and he was one of the best athletes this draft had to offer. On paper, it appeared to be a good matchup for the Raptors, but Tyson dominated. Tyson seemed to get every shot he wanted. Murray-Boyles is quick, but Tyson was able to blow by him multiple times to have an easy shot at the rim.
Tyson has been electric in the absence of Strus, Merrill and even DeAndre Hunter for the short period he was out. If Tyson continues to play great, Cavs’ fans could see a lot more of him for years to come.
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