Let’s get this one over with.
There isn’t much to recap. The Cleveland Cavaliers got lambasted start to finish by the Boston Celtics in their third preseason game. Cleveland is now 0-3 in the preseason — something that no one should care much about.
We aren’t going to crush anyone for a poor preseason game. So keep that in mind when reading the grades.
Grades are based on our usual expectations for each player.
Jaylon Tyson
11 points (4-12 shooting), 4 rebounds, 3 assists
Tyson’s offensive game has hit a few hurdles
since making it to the NBA. He’s had all of his best moments as an on-ball creator. Outside of that, Tyson has had a difficult time finding his rhythym as an off-ball, catch-and-shoot threat. He shot 1-5 tonight from deep and is 2-13 overall during the preseason.
He’ll be able to compensate, at least somewhat, for his lack of scoring if he continues to embrace the challenge of being a gritty point-of-attack defender. But his hustle will always go underappreciated in a preseason context where he’s expected to be one of the best players on the floor. Tyson’s role will make more sense when he’s next to Cleveland’s real rotation.
Grade: C-
Craig Porter Jr.
4 points (2-8 shooting), 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, 3 turnovers
Porter started the preseason with a bang, drilling 5-of-5 three-point attempts in his debut. Since then, he’s gone 1-of-7 from deep, including a dreadful 0-4 tonight. This game was a poor mix of scenarios for Porter — where he had limited talent around him — and wasn’t feeling it from downtown. The results speak for themselves.
Grade: D-
Tyrese Proctor
12 points (5-13 shooting), 3 assists, 2 rebounds, 1 steal, 2 turnovers
Proctor got his first dose of legit preseason minutes tonight as the Cavaliers rested half of their usual rotation. The rookie joined the starting lineup and was able to handle the ball more often than in his previous two games.
The on-ball creation will be a work in progress. Proctor has already shown that he can be a microwave scorer, but putting it all together on a consistent basis will take some time. Certainly more time than the preseason will allow.
There are plenty of positives to take away. Proctor’s three-point jumper looks legit. And, he’s got the makings of a competent on-ball defender. From there, we’ll have to wait and see how the rookie develops.
Grade: B
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Larry Nance Jr.
11 points (2-10 shooting), 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 4 steals
Nance is going to help this team a lot. He’s a versatile forward who can pick up slack in just about every category. But, as is the theme, there’s only so much a glue-guy can do under these circumstances. When half of the rotation is resting, and the team falls behind by 20+ points early on, Nance isn’t going to dig you out of the hole.
We’d like to see Nance find more success as a shooter once the regular season starts. He hit his first three-pointer of the preseason tonight, but went 1-6 from deep in the process.
Grade: D+
Nae’Qwan Tomlin
8 points (3-8 shooting), 4 rebounds, 2 assists
Tomlin is an intriguing prospect. He’ll be someone to watch for on the Charge this season. As of now, his skills aren’t refined enough to be ‘NBA-ready.’ He’s a high-motor athlete who can handle the ball and attack the basket in a variety of ways. But his all-around feel for the game is a step behind the professional level.
Grade: C+
