Meleek Thomas was out there dropping a ridiculous 27.3 points a night during the 2026 NBA Summer League, and if you weren’t paying attention, you missed one of the most impressive runs we saw. The dude played four games, and just absolutely went off, making it crystal clear he’s beyond motivated for his rookie year with the Cavaliers.
This Kid Is a Certified Bucket
When the Cavaliers snagged Thomas with the 34th overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, many were already calling it a steal. And after seeing what he did in Summer League? Yeah, “steal” might be an understatement. This isn’t just about scoring; his three-point shooting was straight-up encouraging. He drained 14 of his 32 attempts from deep, which is a blazing 43.8%. Think about that. A second-round rookie coming in, putting up leading scorer numbers, and hitting almost 44% from three? That kind of undeniable talent and shooting touch is exactly what you need, especially when you’re looking to close the gap on a team like the New York Knicks, who embarrassed the Cavs in the Eastern Conference Finals. This early performance bodes incredibly well for Cleveland’s future, no doubt about it.
Mindset and Minutes: What’s Next for Thomas?
It’s not just the stats; it’s the mindset. Thomas recently posted song lyrics from Rod Wave’s “I Am” to his Instagram story, a totally self-affirming quote that screams confidence. This kind of belief in himself is a massive green light for the Cavaliers. Imagine a player, a rookie no less, stepping onto the court alongside heavy hitters like Donovan Mitchell and James Harden, already knowing he belongs. His three-point stroke will be absolutely critical playing with those guys, opening up the floor for everyone. Peyton Watson is likely to get the small forward minutes, backed up by Jaylon Tyson, but Thomas can definitely slot in on the wing, especially with Max Strus involved in the Watson trade. That opens a lane, and Thomas is ready to take it.
Head coach Kenny Atkinson will probably stick with the proven players early on, that’s just how it usually goes. But if Thomas gets the call, he’s shown he’s ready to answer. What he flashed at NBA Summer League should absolutely make Atkinson consider him as a rotational option. Keep an eye on this kid, because if he brings that confidence and undeniable talent to the regular season, the Cavaliers could have a serious weapon on their hands, and the Knicks will be seeing more than just glimpses of a tough road ahead.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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