CLEVELAND, Ohio — While Jaylon Tyson’s 39-point outburst might grab the headlines after Cleveland’s thrilling victory over Philadelphia, the Wine and Gold Talk Podcast highlighted a deeper story that could define the Cavs’ future: their front office’s remarkable ability to find and develop talent on the margins.
“These moves around the margins are so important for a team in the Cavs position when your roster is basically set and they have nailed a lot of them. Jaylon Tyson, the most shining example,” emphasized Jimmy Watkins, cleveland.com columnist.
The victory over Philadelphia showcased this organizational strength perfectly.
Jaylon Tyson, the 20th overall pick in a draft where Cleveland had limited capital due to the Donovan Mitchell trade, delivered a career-high 39 points. Meanwhile, undrafted Craig Porter Jr. stepped into the starting lineup and matched LeBron James-Kyrie Irving level production with 11 assists as Mitchell added 12 as well.
“Craig Porter Jr. entering the starting lineup made too much sense,” noted Ethan Sands, Wine and Gold Talk host. “The added ball handling, the downhill pressure, the ability to touch the paint and the bend the defense in different ways ... One turnover for the entire game, zero in the second half. That is the control, the maturity, the decision making that we’ve been talking about.”
This wasn’t just a one-game anomaly. The Cavaliers have systematically built a supporting cast through unconventional channels: undrafted free agents, late draft picks, and development league prospects.
Beyond Tyson and Porter, the podcast highlighted others: Sam Merrill (last pick in the 2020 draft), Nae’Qwan Tomlin (undrafted and still on two-way contract) and Dean Wade (undrafted).
What makes this approach particularly impressive is how essential it’s become in the NBA’s new financial landscape.
With the second apron penalties creating unprecedented roster inflexibility for contending teams, the ability to find productive players on minimal contracts has never been more valuable.
“In a world where every time you are pay your contending roster it freezes your roster and these second-round picks, these late first round picks, all of those things... the Cavs are crushing that department and that that deserves a round of applause,” Watkins explained.
Nae’Qwan Tomlin represents perhaps the most unexpected success story. Undrafted and signed to a two-way contract, Tomlin has brought infectious energy and physicality that the team desperately needed. His rim-rattling dunks and relentless pursuit of rebounds have made him an instant fan favorite.
“Nae’Qwan Tomlin is just a madman,” Watkins described colorfully. “He’s just running all over the court, mucking it up, getting his hand on any rebound. Every rebound you think Nae’Qwan Tomlin can’t get his hand on. He can get his hand on it. He is the number one abuser of rims across the NBA.”
Even rookie Tyrese Proctor, who many expected to need significant development time as the No. 49 overall pick, has already shown signs of becoming a rotation player. Against Philadelphia, he contributed 13 points including three crucial 3-pointers, displaying a level of readiness that exceeded all expectations.
When examining the Cavaliers’ most impactful players beyond their core stars, a pattern emerges: the supporting cast of underdogs have all become critical to the team’s success. This isn’t coincidence but rather the result of a deliberate organizational philosophy prioritizing skill development and opportunity.
“I think we could argue, or maybe it’s not close like they have had the best or most impactful player development arc when it comes to players that they are now utilizing that have either been on a G league contract, been a two-way player or were undrafted,” Sands noted. “This is a team that is made up of those players that has been impacted significantly by those players.”
As Cleveland continues its push toward championship contention, this ability to maximize every roster spot could prove to be their competitive advantage. While other contenders struggle with depth due to salary cap constraints, the Cavaliers have built a development pipeline that continues to produce contributors at minimal cost.
For a franchise looking to maximize its championship window with stars like Mitchell, this “victory lap for the front office” isn’t just about clever management — it might be the difference between contention and championship celebration.
Here’s the podcast for this week: