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By Anne Erickson
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We still have a few months until the NBA season hits, but a lot of the major changes that will impact each team's x-factor have already been made.
The Cleveland Cavaliers didn't have to look far to find a player who could help fix one of their biggest issues. Meleek Thomas, who fell to Cleveland at No. 34, brings the kind of confidence that can change the feel of a second unit. He's a scorer first, and he's never been shy about doing what it takes to get his shot. That can be a really good thing in the right situation.
Cleveland already has plenty of players who can defend and do the dirty work. What the team needed was another perimeter threat who could come in, knock down shots and make opponents pay for leaving him open. Thomas has that ability.
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At Arkansas, he made his name as a player who could create offense and fire away from deep. He wasn't always focused on the defensive side of the game, but the Cavaliers are actually one of the better places for a young player with that reputation to land.
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They have a strong defensive identity already. That gives Thomas time to grow without needing to be a perfect player right away. If he can improve his consistency on defense and learn the little things that come with playing at the NBA level, his shooting becomes even more valuable.
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The timing of the pick makes sense for Cleveland. The Cavaliers were one of the league's best 3-point shooting teams in 2024-25, finishing second in percentage, but they dropped to 13th last season. A player like Thomas could help bring some of that spacing back.
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He doesn't have to be a 20-point scorer. The Cavaliers simply need him to provide energy. A few made shots, some confidence off the bench and the ability to stretch the floor could make him a useful piece in the rotation.
Second-round picks often need patience, and Thomas will be no different. But Cleveland has a roster where his biggest strength fits a real need.
If he can round out his game, the Cavaliers may have found a player who can make an impact much earlier than expected.
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