Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson expects big things from Jaylon Tyson in year 2

Jaylon Tyson spent most of his rookie season with the Cavaliers as a bench warmer. All that could change this season for the 6-foot-6, 215-pound shooting guard, who could barge his way into Cleveland coach Kenny Atkinson's rotation. "My gut feeling is he'll be a real contributor to this team," the coach said. Tyson, 22, spent the offseason transforming his body, which he said has allowed him to become "night and day better" than last year. "I feel I'm one of the best-conditioned players out here right now," he said. "I have a different mindset. I have more confidence in my ability. I understand the system. I just feel like I'm a way better player." After losing 4-1 to the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference semifinals last year, the Cavs realized their conditioning had to improve. "We've incorporated a lot of new conditioning drills," Tyson said. "(We looked at) different areas we could improve on. It was a focal point going into the offseason. I feel like everybody is in good shape right now." Swingman Max Strus (foot) will miss the start of the 2025-26 season. There's also a possibility point guard Darius Garland (big toe) will also be sidelined early on. That could be the opportunity Tyson needs for increased playing time. Tyson, the 20th overall pick in the 2024 draft from California, said his goals are to guard the best players, hit open 3s and be a secondary ballhandler. "I want to do a little bit of everything," he said. Tyson averaged 3.6 points, 2.0 rebounds and 0.9 assists last year in 47 games. "I learned so much being here and watching (as a rookie)," he said. "I learned from the older guys. The biggest thing I learned was (how to deal with) the ups and downs and keep level-headed and even-keeled. (I need to) take it day-by-day. It helps me get through tough days and the best days." Atkinson has shown much confidence in the second-year guard. "It means everything, having the approval of your head coach," he said. "It means the world. I'm excited for the games to start so I can show everyone (what I can do)." Atkinson is also ready for the games to begin so he can be a "real feel" for what Tyson can do. "He plays hard and is skilled," the coach said. "He's had a phenomenal offseason." Like many of his teammates, the Cavs are trying to get over the loss to Indiana in the playoffs. "Obviously, it left a bad taste in our mouths the way it ended," Tyson said. "Everyone came together and we have one goal. (We have) no ego and no selfishness. We want to figure out how we can get over that hump. I feel we're ready to take that next step. I know everyone in the locker room is hungry." The preseason starts at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Rocket Arena against the Chicago Bulls. His little brother, Jordyn Tyson, is a wide receiver at Arizona State University. Contact Bob Finnan at (440) 329-7135 or rfinnan30@gmail.com. Follow him @BobCavsider on X.