TITLE: Altman Reaffirms Jaylon Tyson’s Place in Cavaliers’ Long-Term Plans
SLUG: altman-reaffirms-jaylon-tysons-place-in-cavaliers-long-term-plans
CONTENT:
CLEVELAND — Cleveland Cavaliers president of basketball operations Koby Altman said Monday that second-year wing Jaylon Tyson remains central to the franchise’s future, even after a postseason in which the 22-year-old saw his minutes drop.
“We need him. He’s a big part of our future,” Altman told reporters during his end-of-season press conference.
Tyson, the No. — pick in the 20— draft, opened the year as a rotation mainstay and logged multiple starts as injuries and midseason roster moves tested the club’s depth. His role shrank after Cleveland traded for James Harden and made additional additions, leaving him on the fringe of the playoff rotation.
Altman said Tyson was “disappointed” with his postseason shooting but applauded the guard’s toughness, rebounding, defense and work ethic. He also emphasized the importance of having a productive contributor on a rookie-scale contract while the Cavaliers manage an increasingly expensive roster.
Speaking before Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals, Tyson acknowledged the challenges of an inconsistent role. “It is difficult. I’m not going to sit here and sugarcoat it,” he said. “But whenever my name’s called, I’m just going to try to go in and make an impact.”
Despite the late-season reduction in minutes, Altman’s remarks indicate the Cavaliers still view Tyson as a key piece as they prepare for a pivotal offseason.
Source: Hoops Wire
