Jaylon Tyson has been drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers with the 20th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Is this a good pick? What will his role look like? Here’s a look at Tyson’s NCAA career, another Cavalier signing and how these players will fit onto the team.
Starting his collegiate career with the Texas Longhorns, Tyson’s play was nothing extraordinary. Averaging 1.8 points, 1.1 rebounds and 0.4 assists per game, he played only 6.9 minutes per game. He did, however, make the most of his minutes with a crisp 40.0 field goal percentage.
Following this season, Tyson transferred to Texas Tech. As a Red Raider, he averaged 10.7 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.3 assists with a 46.5 field goal percentage. His minutes also increased to an average of 28.9 points, meaning he was given more room to grow.
Finally, last season, Tyson transferred to the University of California to play with the Golden Bears. Here he averaged a career best 19.6 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.5 assists. His field goal percentage did dip slightly to 46.5 percent, but his minutes also increased to an average of 34.3 per game. So, while his accuracy did technically decrease, he showed that he can remain essentially as consistent with more playing time.
This is especially important for the Cavaliers, because he likely won’t start with a lot of minutes. He should therefore still be able to contribute effectively in those minutes, regardless of how many he gets. His 6-foot-7 frame and 6-foot-8 wingspan should allow a certain level of effectiveness on the defensive end, as well.
The Cavaliers also signed DJ Burns Jr, who went undrafted out of NC State, to a summer-league contract. Burns is a fifth year senior who’s remained solid throughout his time in college. Never averaging below 10 points or above 15, with roughly three boards and four assists per game, Burns isn’t exactly a high ceiling prospect. His play, however, suggests that he’ll be able to get his numbers consistently.
This is partly due to his style of play, which is physical yet displays an exceptional level of reflexes for a player of his size. That being said, he reportedly dropped 45 pounds prior to the 2024 NBA Draft. It’ll be interesting to see how this affects his physicality, but should only emphasize his athletic ability.
While it’s difficult to say where these players will end up, especially with the breakout performances of the Cavalier prospects last season, Cleveland (in the last couple seasons, particularly) have shown that they make their picks with intent. Whether that’s to develop a player in the G-League or add him to the roster immediately, the Cavaliers have made excellent use of their picks.
Tyson, most likely, will come off the bench as a wing. The same level of production as his last NCAA season shouldn’t be expected. Both the quality of competition and his change in role, as he was a top player on his previous college squad.
Burns will probably start the season with the Charge, granted he plays well enough to earn a full contract. They’ll both be active in the summer, though, and will look to lead Cleveland to their second consecutive Summer League Championship.
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Featured photo courtesy of NBA.com
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