BROOKLYN, N.Y. – With the future of fourth-year player Issac Okoro in question, the Cleveland Cavaliers added some depth at the wing, in drafting California swingman Jaylon Tyson with the 20th pick.
Tyson, is a legitimate three-level scorer who averaged 19.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.2 steals in his junior season at Cal. Tyson was also selected for the All-Pac conference. As a junior, Tyson shot at 80 percent from the foul line. Tyson had eight-double-doubles his junior year, grabbing double-digits on the board, with three straight in early February 2024.
21, Tyson, at 6’6 and 220 pounds, is an experienced player with a chance to contribute to Cleveland’s newly-hired head coach, Kenny Atkinson.
“I think the biggest adjustment for him will be playing without the ball in his hands, 95 percent of the time,” said General Manager Mike Gansey. “He basically played point guard, where as at Texas Tech played more off of the ball”
Gansley called Tyson a good shooter, who should get better and improve his ball handling skills. “I just think he fits well with the other guys,” said Gansley.