The Cleveland Cavaliers filled their last roster spot when they added Nae’Qwan Tomlin to a standard contract. Now, they’ve found someone for their final two-way spot. According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, that slot is going to Riley Minix.
Minix went undrafted in the 2024 NBA Draft. He was invited to training camp with the San Antonio Spurs and ended up making the team on a two-way deal. He played just one game with the Spurs in his rookie season and spent most of his time with their G League affiliate, the Austin Spurs.
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Minix started this season on a two-way contract as well, but was waived on Dec. 12. Overall, he played just four NBA games with San Antonio over two seasons.
On Jan. 13, the Cleveland Charge — G League affiliate of the Cavs — acquired his returning player rights from the Austin Spurs. He’s appeared in 12 games with the Charge since.
On the season, the 6’7”, 25-year-old forward has averaged 17.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.2 steals per game on .512/.426/.767 shooting splits in the G League.
The three-point shot is the obvious weapon for Minix. Last season, he connected on 41.4% of his three-point looks with Austin on 7.4 threes per contest. If he’s going to make a lasting impact in the NBA, presumably, it will be because of the outside shot.
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Minix has had an unconventional journey to professional basketball. He played four collegiate seasons at Southeastern University, a smaller school that competes in the NAIA. After having the advantage of the COVID season, he played one season at Morehead State, averaging 20.9 points and 9.7 rebounds per game.
Minnix joins Tristian Enaruna and Emanuel Miller on two-way deals with the Cavs.
