Cavs 2024 NBA Draft grade for Jaylon Tyson
The Cleveland Cavaliers only had one pick in the 2024 NBA Draft and had to walk a tightrope between finding a prospect with upside and, more importantly, someone who could contribute to the team sooner rather than later. When it became Cleveland’s turn to pick, several prospects were available that fit that mold. In the end, the Cavs went with a player they became closely familiar with during the pre-draft process: California forward Jaylon Tyson.
At 6-foot-6, Tyson has the size to get to the rim and match up with opposing wings on the defensive end. The 21-year-old’s biggest strength is his ability to create his own shot, but he has also proven to be a reliable spot-up shooter. Tyson is a willing passer and can find teammates as a playmaker in the pick-and-roll.
Being a more seasoned prospect, the vision for Tyson’s potential long-term fit with Cleveland is clearly there as a high-end role-player. However, will Tyson be able to contribute right away? Or will he spend the better part of his rookie season developing with the Cleveland Charge, the Cavs’ NBA G League affiliate?
When evaluating the pick, leaning on the eye test, Jaylon Tyson fills a clear-cut need for Cleveland as a perimeter player who has showcased his ability to pass, dribble, and shoot. When breaking down the wings on the Cavs, Max Strus is the only other player who can do all three reliably. The other wings on Cleveland’s roster are either too flawed or currently too limited skillset-wise to handle those responsibilities.
