Dribbles: Cavs’ first audition brings positives, but rebounding needs work

October 8, 2026

CLEVELAND — Random dribbles from the Cavaliers’ 124-113 preseason-opening loss to the Celtics on Thursday.

1. It wasn’t often pretty, but that’s what this time of year is for. It’s to figure out some things.

2. So what did Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson figure out? Well, he didn’t specifically say any of this, but I bet he discovered that Peyton Watson as the starting small forward is a pretty good idea. And hey, maybe the Cavs have something in rookie Meleek Thomas.

3. At least, that’s what I left thinking. Let’s start with Watson. He arrived with the promise of athleticism and energy. We saw that right away.

4. Atkinson, for one, was impressed. “I really liked his offense,” Atkinson said. “He showed a little more creative chops, did some really nice things. His athleticism jumps off the page.”

5. Then there’s Thomas. He was a second-round pick (No. 34 overall) and some around the Cavs will tell you he belonged in the first. Thomas supported that notion with some strong play in summer league.

6. Thomas was also the first player to check in among a younger group that includes Craig Porter Jr. and second-year man Tyrese Proctor. But Atkinson said not to read too much into that. “I think we’ll mix that up (moving forward),” Atkinson said.

7. He added that he did really like what Thomas and Porter brought when on the court together. “I thought they brought some real positives to that second group,” Atkinson said.

8. As for Porter specifically, Atkinson kept it simple. “I think he’s in a good place,” he said. “You need a CP. He can rebound, he’s got athleticism. He’s a hybrid player. He’s gonna help us win games.”

9. Atkinson has a specific message to players such as Porter, Thomas and other younger reserves. Basically, this is the NBA. Injuries happen. “I tell these guys all the time, ‘The spotlight is coming,'” Atkinson said. “I don’t know when, but it’s coming.”

10. What didn’t Atkinson like? It’s safe to say you can start with the Celtics’ 21 offensive rebounds. That was an issue at the end of last season. It appears it’s not yet fixed. “Rebounding is a concern coming into the season,” he said. “We gotta do better.”

11. Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen, Jaylon Tyson and Watson started. James Harden sat out with ankle soreness. “Just caution,” Atkinson said of resting Harden.

12. Atkinson did say he liked the combo of Tyson and Watson, as well as newcomer Mario Hezonja, who came off the bench. “It’s a wing league,” he said. “It’s such an important position. That size, that versatility is important.”

13. Tyson finished with a team-high 14 points on 6-of-8 shooting. “He was good, give him a ‘B’ grade, B-plus,” Atkinson said. “I still want him to guard better … but he’s really got a good grasp of (what the Cavs are doing on offense).”

14. The Celtics did not play regulars such as Jayson Tatum, Paul George, Mitchell Robinson, Derrick White, and Payton Pritchard. Nor did Joe Mazzulla coach them from the sideline. He instead stayed in the locker room and let his assistants handle the job. You can read more on that here.

15. Finally, Atkinson also had high praise for the two-way group, particularly former Cleveland State forward Tristan Enaruna. He scored 13 points on 5-of-7 shooting.

16. Preseason game No. 2 takes place Sunday evening against the Magic, also at Rocket Arena. By the way, social media reports from those who watched the first-ever Cavs game on DAZN were mostly positive.