The Cleveland Cavaliers had options during the 2024 NBA Draft. Sitting in the late first round, they could have chosen a number of different prospects — or traded out of the draft altogether. Ultimately, they zeroed in on one player.
Jaylon Tyson.
A junior from California who wore several hats during his time in college. He split his collegiate career between being a high-usage creator and an off-ball threat, giving him a multifaceted skillset that appealed to the Cavs’ current roster construction.
Tyson was comfortable with or without the ball.
“I don’t want to speak for Koby [Altman], but I think he really values skill, highly skilled players, high-IQ players,” Atkinson said. “The front office had a vision that he [Tyson] could be more.”
The Cavs didn’t have space for Tyson in his rookie season. They had more than enough shot creation as Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, Max Strus and Ty Jerome helped take them to 64 wins.
But things have changed since then, and Tyson’s prior experience has given him a head start as the Cavs have needed to rely on him more than expected.
“Because we’ve got so many guys out and he’s got to do more, he’s prepared for it,” Atkinson said when asked about how Tyson’s experience in college has prepared him for his role in the NBA.
Tyson has quickly filled any task the Cavs have asked of him. He’s spent most of his time as a 3-and-D prototype, but as the season goes on, Tyson’s gradually taken on more offensive responsibility. He can screen, roll, and create with an advantage. He can attack closeouts and get to the basket. And, he might be the most extroverted dude on the team.
“He can do some goofy things,” Atkinson joked. “You never quite know what to expect, I think the guys really enjoy being around him though, at the end of the day, we’ve been talking about joy a lot lately, and he kinda epitomizes that with the way he plays, and the way he carries himself.”
Tyson is averaging 13 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.9 assists. His role might change as the season goes on and Cleveland gets healthier, but he has proven he can mold to whatever the team needs. Tyson could develop into a diamond in the rough for a Cavs team that bet on the adaptability he flashed in college.
