The Cleveland Cavaliers tip off Summer League action in Las Vegas on Friday evening. They’ll take on the Indiana Pacers in the first of five guaranteed games.
Summer League debuts are always interesting. It’s the first official look at professional basketball for newly drafted players, but it’s also pretty far removed from the NBA game.
The level of competition can be hit-and-miss from a talent and continuity perspective. Everyone is hoping to show that they belong in the league, but many are more realistically trying to prove that they can be helpful to another professional team — whether that’s a different NBA team, a G League team, or an overseas team.
This all creates a unique and interesting environment — and one that isn’t exactly the best for forming too strong opinions. However, that probably won’t stop any of us from doing so anyways.
Who: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Indiana Pacers
Where: Cox Pavilion – Las Vegas, NV
When: Fri., July 9 at 4 PM
TV: ESPN 2
Point spread: Cavs – 2.5
Cavs notable players: Nae’Qwan Tomlin, Meleek Thomas, Ernest Udeh Jr., Riley Minix, Tristan Enaruna, Malaki Branham
Pacers notable players: Braden Smith, Taelon Peter, Kowacie Reeves Jr., Jalen Slawson, Gabe McGlothan
This will be our first chance to see newly drafted guard Meleek Thomas wear the wine and gold.
Thomas played more off-ball in college, but the Cavs believe he has some capabilities on ball as well. Koby Altman mentioned in his post-draft media availability that we’re going to see Thomas play the point in Summer League. We’ll see how he looks in that role.
The other Cavalier to keep an eye on is Nae’Qwan Tomlin.
Tomlin is the lone player on the summer roster with legitimate NBA experience. He showed that he could be helpful with his rebounding, cutting, and overall energy in 64 appearances last season. The three-ball is what held him back.
Last season, Tomlin went just 23.5% from three and connected on just 24% of his corner triples (0th percentile). That is a problem considering how the Cavs want to use him.
Tomlin can be so dynamic crashing from the corner. That, however, is neutralized if teams dare him to take that shot. One of the top priorities this offseason will be improving that shot. We’ll see if he’s more confident taking and making those looks in Summer League.
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