ESPN Hands Cavaliers B-Minus After Selecting Arkansas Guard Meleek Thomas at No. 34
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The Cleveland Cavaliers moved down in the draft order on Wednesday and chose former Arkansas guard Meleek Thomas with the No. 34 overall pick, a decision that drew a B-minus grade from ESPN analyst Ben Golliver.
Golliver described Thomas as “a gunner,” noting that the 6-foot-3 guard spent most of his college minutes looking for his next shot rather than focusing on defensive assignments. Even so, the analyst suggested Cleveland could be a favorable landing spot because of the club’s established interior defense and its need for additional perimeter scoring.
The Cavaliers finished second in the NBA in three-point percentage during the 2024-25 season but slipped to 13th last year. Golliver believes Thomas’s outside shooting could help the team regain its earlier efficiency.
Thomas joins a crowded backcourt that already features Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, Craig Porter Jr., Dennis Schröder and rookie Tyrese Proctor. Wings Sam Merrill, Max Strus and Jaylon Tyson also see minutes at guard.
With free agency and trade season just beginning, roster changes remain possible. For now, league observers expect Thomas to open his professional career in the G League. His first opportunity to impress the coaching staff will come during NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, which tips off in a few weeks.
Source: Hoops Wire
