The Cavaliers rewarded Nae’Qwan Tomlin with a 10-day contract, which capped off a fairly unconventional path to the NBA. Unlike most prospects, Tomlin didn’t grow up playing on the AAU circuit.
Instead, he honed his skills on the streets of New York before eventually finding his way to organized basketball after high school. His college journey was just as unorthodox, spanning four schools in five years.
Despite the challenges, Tomlin credits his journey for shaping him both on and off the court.
“Just from a maturity level. I was very immature early on. It just helped build character,” Tomlin told Jackson Flickinger of Fear the Sword. “Even when I was at Kansas State transitioning to Memphis, everything was just life lessons. It’s made me who I am today.”
That growth has been on full display with the Cleveland Charge, the Cavaliers’ G League affiliate. The 6-foot-10 forward has showcased an impressive skill set, averaging 15.7 points and 6.9 rebounds per game on efficient .548/.361/.619 shooting splits.
His ability to create off the dribble at his size makes him a unique prospect, and he has steadily earned more playing time.
Now, with an opportunity at the NBA level, Tomlin says he is ready to prove he belongs.
“I imagined playing, but that feeling when I get out there is surreal,” he said. “All that hard work that I put in and now I get to really step onto an NBA court. It’s amazing.”
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They should sign him to the 2 way and cut Emoni Bates. Would still have room to sign a vet at prorated minimum i think. Bates just is not an NBA player. And he seems to be a hothead at times like against Grizzlies. Bates could make good money overseas.