After a slow-burn offseason approaches an end, the Cleveland Cavaliers have finally constructed a versatile wing rotation to support a core of four star talents.
Grabbing forward Peyton Watson from the Denver Nuggets completed a long-term search for the Cavs to find a true starting small forward. Watson, Jaylon Tyson and Mario Hezonja give the Cavaliers three tall combo wings, but that newfound depth has consumed depth from other central areas in team structure.
Cleveland's backcourt has been filled already with James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Sam Merrill, Craig Porter, Jr., Tyrese Proctor and Meleek Thomas. While the Cavs' backup guards will be competing for minutes throughout the season, the overflow of guards and wings have left the frontcourt depleted.
With a starting frontcourt of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, the Cavaliers enter the season with two of defensive anchors who will comprise the majority of Cleveland's playtime at center. Behind them, Thomas Bryant offers the only veteran player to fill spot minutes.
Nae'Qwan Tomlin has a clear pathway to growing his role
James Harden's new three-year, $97 million contract will restrict the Cavaliers' financial options for another frontcourt player, depending on how Cleveland manages a complex dilemma with Cam Whitmore. With as little as roughly $2 million left to fill the 14th roster spot, the Cavaliers may have no choice but to sign a minimum contract for a player with zero years of experience.
Finding the ideal final rotation piece at that price tag is nearly impossible for Cleveland, leaving internal growth as the best realistic opportunity to support the frontcourt. Last year, Nae'Qwan Tomlin became a fan favorite on a two-way contract, showcasing incredible athleticism and tenacity on defense. He eventually converted from a two-way to a standard deal in hopes he could refine and develop into a real rotational piece.
Won, while Thomas, Proctor and Porter battle for point guard minutes this season, Tomlin's pathway to a consistent role as a backup power forward could not be clearer. Tomlin faces no real competition outside of Watson and Hezonja playing up from the three to the four.
Last season, Tomlin appeared in 64 games with the Cavs, including three starts. Averaging 5.8 points and 2.9 rebounds in 15.7 minutes per game, Tomlin filled the role given to him at any moment. Offensively, Tomlin offered a limited but exciting skill set. While his three-point shooting sat just at 23.5 percent, his athleticism and ferocity en route to the hoop made for more than a handful of highlights.
How Tomlin can grow his game for the Cavaliers
Tomlin never shied from physicality. His ball handling could lead to unnecessary turnovers, but his confidence never allowed mistakes to sway him from trying again. As the season progressed, his decision making and passing improved as he grew into his role with the team.
On the other end, Tomlin continued his physicality and energy as a defender. He showed promise as a versatile defensive player, holding his own in the post and using his speed and size to keep his assignment in front of him on the perimeter. His same energy and physicality would often be a positive at the same time as leading to disruptive foul trouble.
Standing at 6-foot-8, Tomlin's ability to switch between defending the interior and perimeter already make him an ideal solution for the Cavs' frontcourt depth if he can improve last year's production. The athletic forward showcased the potential to fill a much-needed role for Cleveland, and a full summer and season with a consistent role could be exaclty the opportunity Tomlin needs to unlock the next level in his career.
Cleveland won't need Tomlin to breakout into an All-Star challenging Mobley for his starting role, but a successful year would simply require Tomlin to improve his efficiency as a scorer off screen-and-rolls and cuts to the hoop. Finding the balance between his energetic approach and controlled defense would make Tomlin Cleveland's best option to resolve their frontcourt shallow depth without needing to find an unproven free agent.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have already see Tomlin develop in his first two seasons as a member of the organization in the G League and NBA. If his development continues, the Cavs may already have the answer to their depth problem on payroll.
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