Cavs rookie Meleek Thomas has their attention. Now comes the next opportunity

October 28, 2026

CLEVELAND — Meleek Thomas wanted people to leave the arena knowing his name. After Monday night, that probably won’t be an issue around here.

The Cavaliers rookie scored 16 points in 19 minutes against the Timberwolves, supplying a needed spark in an overtime win. Now, with the Wizards visiting Wednesday, comes the opportunity to build on an introduction that gave Cleveland something to get excited about.

“It was on my mind that I was going to be my best version, and that wasn’t even my best version,” Thomas said after Monday’s game. “It’s a lot more that I haven’t shown.”

Well, nobody is going to object to seeing more. Thomas shot 6-of-10 in his regular-season debut after spending the first two games on the bench. Kenny Atkinson turned to him against Minnesota on what the coach described as a gut feeling.

“I thought, ‘We need that guy in the lineup,’” Atkinson said. “Since the day we drafted him we were bullish on him.”

The next step is consistency, something Atkinson emphasized afterward. In this league, a good performance has to be followed by more good performances.

That doesn’t mean Thomas needs another 16 points Wednesday to justify the enthusiasm. Making sound decisions, competing defensively and bringing energy would give him plenty to build on.

His confidence certainly seems ready for another appearance.

“I always tell myself when I hoop, I want so many people, if they didn’t know my name to leave the gym knowing my name,” Thomas said. “I just want them to know that kid really made an impact out there.”

He accomplished that Monday. Against a new-look Wizards team, the Cavs can find out a little more about what comes next.

(Photo credit: Jason Miller/Getty Images)