What Are Cavs Getting In Newcomer Nae’Qwan Tomlin?

It’s the Cavaliers and an open roster spot, so naturally there will be plenty of discussion. And everyone wants to know about the upcoming addition, a rookie power forward named Nae’Qwan Tomlin.

As we reported earlier, the Cavs intend to sign Tomlin to a 10-day contract. They had until Thursday to fill at least one of their two available roster spots. Yes, 10-day deals count.

So what to make of Tomlin, who went undrafted out of Memphis in June? Well, he’s been playing — and playing well — for the Cleveland Charge of the G League.

He probably won’t be playing much for the Cavs. At least, that’s the assumption. This was a signing to adhere to NBA rules that you must carry at least 14 guys. That said, you just never know.

Tomlin is 6-foot-10 and his shooting range is a standout feature. With the Charge, he’s been knocking down 36.2% of his 4.3 three-point attempts per game. That translates into 15.7 points per game on 54.5% shooting from the field.

Those numbers suggest that he can bring a scoring punch while also providing solid rebounding (7.1 boards per game) and some playmaking (1.9 assists).

What makes Tomlin intriguing, though, is his ability to play beyond just being a “stretch four” power forward. He has shown flashes of being a capable on-ball initiator, handling the rock and setting up plays for himself and his teammates.

Theoretically, that makes him an ideal fit in coach Kenny Atkinson‘s system, which emphasizes fluid motion on both ends of the floor — and requires players to not only shoot, but move the ball and read the defense in real-time. Again, Tomlin’s skillset aligns well with this approach.

It’s worth noting that Tomlin’s path to professional basketball hasn’t exactly been conventional. After spending three years at the JUCO level, he made the jump to Kansas State in 2022-23, then transferred to Memphis for the 2023-24 season.

Despite going undrafted, Tomlin had a stint with the Cavs during Summer League, which gives the team a clear view of his capabilities at the next level.

With the Cavs still looking for a power forward who can shoot and add depth, Tomlin’s combination of size, shooting, and ability to handle the ball makes sense. The Cavaliers will be able to see firsthand how he fits into their rotation, while also addressing a clear need.