Instant reaction: Cavs draft for need in Jaylon Tyson

Tyson can provide something the roster lacks.

Jaylon Tyson is a prospect who flashed the ability to pass, dribble and shoot at the NBA level. That’s why selecting him with the 20th overall pick was a no-brainer for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Tyson is a dynamic offensive wing who shined in his junior season with the University of California. He excelled with the ball in his hands, scoring 19.6 points per game on respectable shooting splits of .465/.360/.796.

His self-creation is the selling point. Tyson was able to generate offense behind his fluid ball handling and feel for the game. He shook defenders with his crossover, expertly using momentum and deceleration to create space. This shiftiness allowed Tyson to burn defenders on the perimeter, stepping into the two-point range where he shot 50%.

The Cavaliers desperately need players who can create advantages. Aside from the starting backcourt of Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell — Caris LeVert is the only other Cavalier who checks that box. Tyson’s diverse shot profile on and off the ball should give them another option.

The 21-year-old prospect looked comfortable playing in any role offensively. He packaged his tight handle and pull-up jumper with a 37% shooting clip on catch-and-shoot attempts. His versatility and perimeter scoring make him a valuable asset in today’s NBA.

Tyson also provides the Cavaliers with a dose of athleticism on the offensive end. He’s an explosive driver, utilizing a quick first step in tandem with his flexibility to convert around the rim. Compare Tyson’s speed with the ball to that of Max Strus, Sam Merrill, Dean Wade or Georges Niang and it’s easy to see how he offers something new.

A player like Tyson is a natural fit for Cleveland's new head coach Kenny Atkinson prepares to breathe fresh air into the team’s offensive system. The free-flowing offense that Atkinson has emphasized in the past should bode well for Tyson’s development. He’s a capable cutter and playmaker who can be molded into whatever Atkinson envisions.

Tyson measured under 6’6” without shoes at the NBA Draft combine but a 6’8” wingspan and plus-athleticism make up for this. So does an undeniable knack for scoring and distributing the ball. He averaged 5.4 assists per game and displayed enough court vision to project as a tertiary playmaker at the NBA level.

Of course, concerns exist. Tyson’s size isn’t ideal — even if it isn’t a deal-breaker. His creation and scoring are things that need to be proven, as well. Then, there’s the whole other end of the floor, which could be a weak point for Tyson. Although, the Cavs likely feel comfortable in the defensive identity they have built behind him.

Standing at 20th in the draft, the Cavaliers chose to bet on the offensive upside of Tyson. He brings the potential versatility they have been searching for on the bench. This pick was never going to be a magic bullet that saved the day. Instead, this could be another building block for the franchise to work with. That’s alright with me.

Draft Grade: A-