Cavs Summer League Recap (or, The Jaylon Tyson Agenda)

Hello CtB!

Sorry for the extended vacation, but it’s time for some random thoughts in the aftermath of 2024-25 Cavs’ Summer League season…

The Jaylon Tyson Agenda

The biggest story to come from the Cavs’ Summer League season is the emergence of California Golden Bear Jaylon Tyson. Everything that he was at Cal, he brought to the table with him to Las Vegas for the Summer League Cavs. The only blemish in his statistical profile is the turnover rate, but that can be rationalized by recognizing this is his first Cavs action of his career. Put Jaylon Tyson’s name in a Twitter search and you’ll see the nearly universal love NBA media now has for Tyson… people are saying “Rookie of the Year candidate” and “steal of the draft.” Initially I gave this pick a B+/A-, however upon further review, it’s clear this was a home run by the Cavs org…. take a bow Koby Altman!

What does Tyson’s early success mean for the Cavs? It means the Cavs have a playoff rotation-worthy guy on a rookie contract, which is absolute gold for a contending team. It also means there’s clarity in the Cavs’ approach to Caris LeVert and Isaac Okoro for the future. LeVert is now an attractive piece of salary filler in a trade with a team looking to shed longer-term money. The Cavs can now leverage Tyson’s emergence to hopefully retain Okoro at a reasonable number or as a trade chip. Can Koby Altman find a way to turn some form of LeVert, Okoro, or Georges Niang into a playoff playable forward? Stay tuned…

More roster competition brewing?

The other story coming out of Cavs Summer League was the play of Darius Brown II, an undrafted rookie out of Utah State. One thing he has over the beloved Craig Porter Jr. is legitimate three point range. It’ll be interesting to see if the Cavs open up a battle between the two point guards for CPJ’s roster spot.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oW3L5QjZ2m0

The Kenny Atkinson Experience Begins

Kenny Atkinson was introduced as Cavs’ head coach about a month ago. Reflecting back on his press conference, two things stood out about what the Atkinson regime will look like. With Atkinson, the Cavs are trying to address two aspects of the team: 1. the offensive potential, and 2. skill development. As to the first thing, there were two stats cited in the Atkinson press conference about what his offense looks like: first in pace, first in three point attempts. Atkinson will try to design the fastest pace offense possible along with launching as many threes as possible. This is the ideal offensive strategy for a Darius Garland/Donovan Mitchell backcourt, so this is all very promising.

The second thing is skill development. Atkinson talked about his coaching background as one that specialized in skill development: working with players individually to develop skills to add to their games. Atkinson talked about his plan to remain a “skill development coach” even as head coach, planning individual workouts with the whole roster… especially one Evan Mobley. The Cavs are clearly banking on Atkinson to unlock the offensive star potential of Mobley, which would ensure the beginning of an Eastern Conference dynasty with Donovan Mitchell already in place with a new contract.

Lastly regarding Coach Atkinson, I like his humble, player focused approach. He doesn’t put off the vibe he’s the smartest guy in the room, and he commands immediate attention with his ability to be good-natured and positive. The signs are all there that the Cavs had a specific plan to find a new coach, and they found one that conforms to that plan.

Slop Season DOA?

The Cavs’ slop season has been one about extending Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley, and finding a new head coach, which they all did. The lone outstanding issue is the restricted free agency of Isaac Okoro. It’ll be interesting to see if Okoro decides to take some longer term security for less money or bank on himself and sign the qualifying offer. From the Cavs’ perspective, it looks like they will drive a hard bargain to retain Okoro at their number and not a penny more. Or, the other possibility is they’re trying to find a place Okoro would be willing to sign and trade. There’s been tons of rumors about Cavs’ slop, but absolutely nothing has happened.

One of the juiciest Cavs’ slop stories was the report that the Cavs turned down three first round picks to send Darius Garland to the San Antonio Spurs. Some of the immediate reaction from Cavs fans was, “how could they turn that down?” However, I’d caution any fan that the Spurs have a ton of first round picks, and there are definitely some better than others. My guess is that the report was leaked because the Spurs wouldn’t include the 2025 first round picks they own as well as Minnesota’s future unprotected first. The Spurs also have a slew of lottery protected picks, and I could easily imagine them trying to pawn them off on an unsuspecting Koby. What say you Commentariat? Would you have done the deal? Sound off below!

One slop shot call I will make: Cam Johnson will be a Cav… you heard it here first, Go Cavs!