Hard-working first-round draft pick Jaylon Tyson expected to compete for minutes for Cavs

INDEPENDENCE — Growing up, Jaylon Tyson was never the most talented or the most athletic. His work ethic, however, is next to none. The newest member of the Cavaliers was introduced to the Cleveland media on Thursday at Cleveland Clinic Courts. Tyson was the No. 20 overall pick by the Cavs on Wednesday. The 6-foot-6, 218-pounder appears to be more of a shooting guard or small forward, even though he played point guard this season at California. No matter what position he plays, Cavs president of basketball operations Koby Altman said he expects Tyson to compete for minutes as a rookie under new coach Kenny Atkinson. "We have a talented roster," Altman said. "We can put him on the floor tomorrow. He can play right away." He said playing time will be decided by Atkinson. However, with the way Tyson can dribble, drive and shoot, Altman said he'll likely get some minutes. "We want him to compete for it," he said. "He'll push the guys in front of him. He has a long runway here. We don't have many more first-round picks coming." Altman was referring to the fact that of the Cavs' next five first-round picks, three have been traded and two are pick swaps with the Utah Jazz. Tyson stood out in his final workout before the draft. In all, he worked out for 12 teams. His back was bothering him after a four-hour flight from Los Angeles to Toronto. "I felt 20 years older," he said. Tyson said he wasn't going to let that stop him from showing the Cavs what he was all about. "He had a dynamic work out, which left an impression with us," Altman said. "It wasn't just his scoring. It was his drive-and-kick. It was his rebounding. He's a high-character individual. We're very excited to take him." Tyson, 21, said he put a hot pack on his back to calm down the pain. "I knew I wasn't going to sit out," he said. "Nothing was going to stop me. I wanted to show I was a winner. I wanted to make sure everyone knew I was a really good basketball player." Tyson received his first call from Cavs forward Georges Niang, who wore No. 20 last year. Tyson wore that number for Cal. He'll wear No. 24 with the Cavs. Tyson started his college career at Texas, transferred to Texas Tech and then to the Golden Bears. He credits Cal coach Mark Madsen for elevating his game and helping him become an NBA player. "I know I can play every position on the court," Tyson said. "Coach Madsen turned me into what I am today." He describes himself as a "winner, hard worker and everyday guy." "I want to learn from these vets. I'm coming in with an open mind. Honestly, I knew I had a break-out year coming. I just had to show it. "I want to win a championship. I want a ring, first year. I want to be a part of a winning culture. I have to learn how to be a professional." Tyson is not known as a strong defender but he said his goal is to be an All-Defensive player as a rookie. Playing for three schools was "part of God's plan," he said. "I had to grow as a man and a basketball player. I don't look back at it as a negative." Altman said the college game is a different landscape now and playing for three schools isn't as uncommon as one would think. Tyson, a native of Texas, said he had to work for everything he ever got on the basketball court. In fact, he was cut as a sophomore in high school. "I had a love for the game and the will to win," he said. "That's a separator for me." Notes Former NBA player Al Harrington is Tyson's mentor and helped him through the draft process. Atkinson will be introduced to the media on Monday at Cleveland Clinic Courts. GM Mike Gansey said the Cavs could bring Australian forward Luke Travers over this season. He played for the Cavs summer-league team last year and could do it again in 2024. Contact Bob Finnan at rfinnan30@gmail.com. Follow him @BobCavsinsider on X.