Meleek Thomas has given the Cavs something they could use more of lately. A reason to feel good about what they’re seeing.
Whether that should mean a starting spot ahead of James Harden is a bigger discussion. But at 5-6, the Cavs have reason to explore combinations that give their offense a different look.
Mack Perry of Cavaliers On SI makes the case for a larger Thomas role, with an important distinction. Starting the rookie wouldn’t have to mean asking him to run the team.
Donovan Mitchell could handle more of that responsibility, allowing Thomas to do what’s already working.
Perry notes that Thomas has made 22 of 46 three-pointers, or 47.8%, including 18 of 34 on catch-and-shoot attempts. That’s useful alongside Mitchell, who needs teammates capable of making defenses pay for sending extra attention his way.
Thomas supplied 18 points in Monday’s loss to the Hornets. Harden finished with 11 and is shooting 36.4% from the field this season.
Those numbers warrant a look at the rotation. They don’t establish that Thomas can replace everything Harden provides.
Harden still has the experience to organize possessions and find the big men. Thomas has done his best work playing off established creators. Giving him more minutes shouldn’t require abandoning the circumstances that have helped him succeed.
That’s where Kenny Atkinson has some room to experiment. More Mitchell-Thomas minutes, with Harden directing other groups, would offer a chance to evaluate the fit.
Perry proposes a similar arrangement. It’s worth testing before turning the conversation into a permanent decision about either player.
The Cavs need better rebounding and defensive execution regardless of who starts. Thomas won’t solve all of that. But he’s making shots, contributing with limited touches and giving Atkinson another option.
The Cavs might want to find out how much that option can help.
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