The Cleveland Cavaliers are entering a very critical season. After winning 64 games last year, and earning the number one seed in the East, the Cavs flamed out in the second round in five games once again. This time it was to Tyrese Haliburton, and the Indiana Pacers.
With Haliburton out for the year and Celtics star Jayson Tatum out for most of next season, the East has never been more wide open. Cleveland is returning largely the same roster (minus Ty Jerome), and their only established competition is the New York Knicks. There are other teams on the come up like the Hawks, Pistons, and Magic, but the Cavs have no excuse to not make a deep run this year.
Cleveland did receive tough news this past week when it was announced that Max Strus, their projected starting small forward, would miss the next four months due to a foot fracture. Strus is a key part of the Cavs’ rotation thanks to his versatility, so replacing him will be tough. Fortunately for Cleveland, his replacement is on their roster.
Jaylon Tyson needs to step up in Strus’ absence.
Tyson did not play a lot last year due to the fact that the Cavs were one of the deepest teams in the league. Especially after they acquired De’Andre Hunter at the trade deadline, the path to consistent playing time was never there for Tyson.
That should change this year. Even if Strus were healthy, Cleveland had big plans for Tyson. Head coach Kenny Atkinson has been singing his praises all offseason, and Tyson did have a strong summer league.
Tyson profiles as the perfect small forward for the Cavs. He is a tenacious defender and rebounder, he is a versatile offensive piece, and his jump shot has made progress. He can also take the pressure off of Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland as a ball handler.
The sample size is small, but Tyson’s per 36-minute numbers were strong last season. He averaged 13 points, eight rebounds, and five assists according to his per 36, and while he won’t average 36 minutes a game next season, that is an encouraging sign that he could contribute with more minutes.
Tyson has the perfect opportunity to be the Cavs’ X-factor
Strus won’t see the court until January. Garland is set to miss a few games to start the year. This is Tyson’s chance to live up to his first-round billing. He has the skill set to thrive in Atkinson’s free-flowing offense, and Tyson can help the Cavs bring back that defensive identity they sorely lacked in the spring.
Tyson has the veteran-like demeanor that is not seen a lot in young players. When he got drafted, he said he wants to model his game after Josh Hart, who is one of the stronger role players in the league. If he can do that, then not only does it let Cleveland survive Strus’ absence, but makes them a deeper team for when it matters next April.
