The Cleveland Cavaliers were one of the more interesting teams heading into the first round of the NBA Draft last night because they had just hired Kenny Atkinson and are coming off of their second consecutive playoff appearance.
With the 20th overall draft pick last night, Cleveland drafted California swingman Jaylon Tyson.
The All-Pac-12 performer had a message for Cavs fans after he was drafted.
“Hey Cleveland fans! It’s Jaylon Tyson here. Looking forward to getting started…Let ’em know,” Tyson said.
Jaylon’s LANDed. #LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/1S371C6e2p
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) June 27, 2024
Tyson was one of the more valuable players in the draft class because of his ability to play multiple spots.
The 6-7, 250-pound player transferred three times while in college, but that didn’t seem to affect his play one bit.
He went from averaging under two points per game at Texas (2021-2022) to eventually averaging almost 20 per game at California (2023-2024).
Tyson also spent time at Texas Tech in the middle of his college career (2022-2023).
As the years moved along, he improved his three-point shooting, his rebounding numbers and his ability to pass the ball.
Cleveland is getting an embattled yet raw player, which fits what they have been doing the last few years.
Led by All-Star guards Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland, the Cleveland Cavaliers have turned themselves into real sleepers in the Eastern Conference.
Adding a versatile player like Tyson can only help them.
The team has the makings of a deep squad, and the championship mentality and experience that Atkinson is bringing over from Golden State should greatly benefit them too.
