​The Cavaliers’ initial reaction to drafting Meleek Thomas in the second round was one of astonishment and excitement. After all, a player with so much potential slipping out of the first round is a rare shock, and that sense hasn’t faded after two Summer League games in Las Vegas. Cleveland’s head coach Kenny Atkinson was in attendance for Sunday’s Summer League matchup and shared his thoughts on Thomas joining the Cavaliers’ roster. When asked about the rookie’s arrival, Atkinson said he was “so excited.” “I just told Jon [Calapari], ‘we got a steal.’ Maybe every coach comes up here [to Summer League] and says that, but to get him in the second round. Like, like pinching myself,” Atkinson stated.
What has stood out most to Atkinson is Thomas’s feel for the game and his composure on the floor. He highlighted that Thomas has “great feel” and has not turned the ball over yet in the Summer League. “You see, he can pass. Like, I didn’t know he could pass. Obviously he’s got the shooting and, elite competitor defensively.” The potential for Thomas to develop into a quality NBA scorer is clear, and through Cleveland’s first two Summer League appearances, he has already shown promise. He’s averaging 25 points, 5.0 assists, and 4.5 rebounds per game, while shooting 43.6 percent from the floor and 40 percent from three-point range. Those numbers hint at a well-rounded offensive toolkit that can translate to the pros, provided he can carve out a role on a Cavaliers team that already features a deep guard rotation with ample scoring options.
To cement his place, Thomas may need to distinguish himself in other areas beyond scoring. Atkinson pointed to defense as a potential path to minutes, noting, “That’s it. That’s how he’s gonna get on the floor [defense].” If he can lock down opponents on the perimeter and play disciplined team defense, his opportunities to contribute could increase significantly. Thomas’s college coach at Arkansas echoed this assessment, emphasizing the importance of his defensive development. “We obviously talk to Cal, right? And Cal said that to us, like, don’t underestimate his defense, and he’s right. I mean, he’s got good length. And you see that body type? Like, I think that’s a body, there’s a lot of potential to improve being in the weight room, being with the NBA performance team.”
The consensus around Thomas is clear: his length, work ethic, and developing defensive capabilities could unlock his upside in Cleveland. Atkinson, known for his player-development acumen, appears eager to see how Thomas grows within the Cavaliers organization. If the 19-year-old can translate his Summer League promise into consistent NBA performances, he could mature into a valuable contributor for a Cavaliers squad that values long-term growth and versatility.
As the Cavs navigate a season with a robust guard depth chart, Thomas’s path will hinge on his ability to maximize his strengths while continuing to refine his defense and decision-making. The early buzz from the Cavaliers’ camp suggests a belief that Thomas could blossom into a solid NBA contributor, provided he continues to develop his defensive impact and find ways to stand out amid serious guard depth. The combination of solid scoring, emerging playmaking, and a promising defensive ceiling gives Thomas a compelling upside to watch as Cleveland moves forward.