No one was expecting any big surprises during the Cleveland Cavaliers’ 2025-26 NBA season. This team has been together long enough — and proven enough in the regular season — that it felt unlikely we’d
learn anything substantial about them in the opening weeks.
Sam Merrill might change all of that.
“He’s probably been our best player over the first three games,” said Kenny Atkinson after Cleveland’s win over the Milwaukee Bucks.
Merrill scored 17 points and drilled 4-of-9 three-point attempts in the win. He had 22 points in Brooklyn and 19 points in the season opener against New York. In total, Merrill has nailed 15 three-pointers in his first three games. Only Stephen Curry has made more to start the season.
Now let’s be clear. Merrill isn’t the Cavaliers’ best player, nor is he on the verge of developing into a perennial All-Star. Even Merrill himself knows that.
But what we’ve seen from Merrill in this opening week is more than a streaky shooter catching fire. He’s playing a strong all-around game that is easy to replicate. He’s been a positive defender, and his role within the offense is more than just being a catch-and-shoot threat. Merrill fits in seamlessly to anything the Cavs want to accomplish on either end of the floor.
Merrill might not handle the ball in a pick-and-roll, but he can set a screen and put defenders in a bind. Merrill won’t earn himself an All-Defensive nod, but he can fight hard and funnel his matchup into Cleveland’s sweet spots. He isn’t an elite playmaker, but the ball doesn’t stick in his hands. Merrill finds a way to fit in.
Certain things can only be learned through experience. For Merrill, the reps that he’s gotten under his belt in recent years have clearly been paying off. He looks more comfortable and confident than ever before. The Cavs have learned how to maximize Merrill as a player — and he’s responded with the best all-around basketball of his career.
“You have to prove it over and over,” Merrill said. “I have gotten stronger, more experienced guarding guys… I definitely feel very comfortable and confident on that end.”
Sunday’s win over the Bucks is a great example of this. Merrill was playing defense with the confidence of a player who has already survived the gauntlet. He showed no fear stunting on Giannis Antetokounmpo and forced multiple Milwaukee turnovers by being in the right place at the right time.
All the while, Merrill kept the Bucks in constant pursuit as he sought out openings to score the ball. This meant his usual dose of three-point shooting — but also — a sneaky backdoor cut into an uncontested layup on an inbounds pass.
Again, it’s more than just the shooting. Merrill is one of the quickest decision makers on the team. He is either passing, shooting, or dribbling within milliseconds of touching the ball. That’s the type of player who greases the wheels of any offense.
So, where does this take Merrill? He won’t be in the starting lineup once Darius Garland makes his debut. And he’ll have even tighter competition in the backcourt when Max Strus returns. But I wouldn’t expect Merrill to leave the rotation any time soon.
Shooters of his caliber are too valuable. This three-point talent is even more valuable when you pair his off-ball motor and selflessness in making the extra pass.
Finally, add the experience and growing confidence that Merrill is finding defensively, and suddenly, he’s one of the best two-way players on the roster.
Sure, he won’t shoot 50% from deep for the entire season — but Merrill’s game is becoming more than that. His role will stay the same even after the Cavs get their full lineup back. He’s too helpful on both ends of the floor to keep him off it.
