When you think about the Cleveland Cavaliers’ biggest needs, the first thing that comes to mind is more playable size, specifically on the wings.
So you can imagine the confusion from reporters and the fanbase that came with the second round selection of Meleek Thomas.
But, there is one need that felt overlooked at times with this Cleveland team and it was a Ty Jerome-sized hole on their bench.
Jerome was absolutely sensational in the lone full season he suited up for, as he was a finalist for Sixth
Man of the Year and arguably had the most efficient season for a reserve across the league. He did flame out in the playoffs, but the Cavs were better off with having his production off the bench.
No one could really replicate that efficient scoring and playmaking for Cleveland last year. Jaylon Tyson took a huge step, but had an inconsistent second half of the season and was dreadful in the playoffs. Sam Merrill also showed improvement, but he is more of a movement shooter. Neither of them were the self-creators that Jerome was.
So, it is not hard to see why the Cavs chose Thomas.
Thomas has all the traits that both Koby Altman and Kenny Atkinson have come to love in their guards. He is a great movement shooter, he rarely turns the ball over, and has a high motor on both ends of the floor.
He also showed that he can play either guard position at Arkansas, as his numbers skyrocketed when he was without his running mate Darius Acuff Jr. He shot an absurd 51% from three-point range, and his turnover rate, which was already low, was even lower when he was the primary ball handler.
The thing with Thomas is that he showed in college that he can create off the bounce, specifically on jumpers. His release does have to get a tad quicker, but his shooting should translate to the league right away.
Where he does have to develop though, is his playmaking and ability to play point guard. He showed flashes of that in college, but with Acuff dominating the ball, Thomas was not able to showcase his full potential there. The Cavs are going to have him play a lot more point in Summer League, so that should help speed up the process.
Thomas likely won’t become a key year one rotation player, as it is very hard for rookies to become key contributors on a team with title aspirations. But, he can absolutely develop into the long-term shot-creating guard that Cleveland needs off the bench.
