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The initial feeling within the Cleveland Cavaliers organization when they had the opportunity to draft Meleek Thomas in the second round was just how shocking it was that a player with so much potential had fallen out of the first round.
Two games into the NBA’s Summer League in Las Vegas, and that’s still the overarching feeling, especially from Cleveland’s head coach.
Kenny Atkinson was in attendance for the Cavaliers Summer League matchup on Sunday afternoon and joined the broadcast. When asked about Thomas joining the Cleveland roster, Atkinson said he was “so excited.”
“I just told, Jon [Calapari], ‘we got a steal.’ Maybe every coach comes up here [to Summer League] and says that, but to get him in the second round. Like, like pinching myself,” Atkinson said.
In terms of what has stood out to the Cavaliers’ head coach, Atkinson pointed how Thomas has “Great feel, hasn't had a turnover yet in the summer. You see, he can pass. Like, I didn't know he could pass. Obviously he's got the shooting and, elite competitor defensively.”
The potential to be a quality offensive player in the NBA is there. Through Cleveland’s first two Summer League games, Thomas is averaging 25 points, 5.0 assists, and 4.5 rebounds while shooting 43.6 percent from the floor and 40 percent from behind the arc.
However, the Cavaliers already have a deep guard depth chart with plenty of scoring capability, so thomas will need to do something to standout. According to Atkinson, that could be on the defensive end of the floor.
“That's it. That’s how he's gonna get on the floor [defense],” continued Atkinson.
According to Thomas’ college coach at Arkansas, that’s a piece of his game that shouldn’t be ignored.
“We obviously talk to Cal, right? And Cal said that to us, like, don't underestimate his defense, and he's right. I mean, he's got good length. And you see that body type? Like, I think that's a body, there's a lot of potential to improve being in the weight room, being with the NBA performance team.”
Clearly, Atkinson is excited about the idea of Thomas being in Cleveland’s organization. Given the coach’s track record in player development, the 19-year-old could very well blossom into a quality NBA player with the Cavaliers.
Cavs Roundtable also offers a fan community and message board. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Cavs. Click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our community for free.
Continue reading...
Two games into the NBA’s Summer League in Las Vegas, and that’s still the overarching feeling, especially from Cleveland’s head coach.
Kenny Atkinson was in attendance for the Cavaliers Summer League matchup on Sunday afternoon and joined the broadcast. When asked about Thomas joining the Cleveland roster, Atkinson said he was “so excited.”
“I just told, Jon [Calapari], ‘we got a steal.’ Maybe every coach comes up here [to Summer League] and says that, but to get him in the second round. Like, like pinching myself,” Atkinson said.
In terms of what has stood out to the Cavaliers’ head coach, Atkinson pointed how Thomas has “Great feel, hasn't had a turnover yet in the summer. You see, he can pass. Like, I didn't know he could pass. Obviously he's got the shooting and, elite competitor defensively.”
The potential to be a quality offensive player in the NBA is there. Through Cleveland’s first two Summer League games, Thomas is averaging 25 points, 5.0 assists, and 4.5 rebounds while shooting 43.6 percent from the floor and 40 percent from behind the arc.
However, the Cavaliers already have a deep guard depth chart with plenty of scoring capability, so thomas will need to do something to standout. According to Atkinson, that could be on the defensive end of the floor.
“That's it. That’s how he's gonna get on the floor [defense],” continued Atkinson.
According to Thomas’ college coach at Arkansas, that’s a piece of his game that shouldn’t be ignored.
“We obviously talk to Cal, right? And Cal said that to us, like, don't underestimate his defense, and he's right. I mean, he's got good length. And you see that body type? Like, I think that's a body, there's a lot of potential to improve being in the weight room, being with the NBA performance team.”
Clearly, Atkinson is excited about the idea of Thomas being in Cleveland’s organization. Given the coach’s track record in player development, the 19-year-old could very well blossom into a quality NBA player with the Cavaliers.
Cavs Roundtable also offers a fan community and message board. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Cavs. Click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our community for free.
Continue reading...
