The team announced a significant signing on Sunday in a major move that could reshape the Cavaliers’ roster dynamics. “Former Memphis forward Nae’Qwan Tomlin signed a two-way contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday, the team announced. The news was first reported by Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.” This development marks another chapter in the young athlete’s evolving professional career and offers him an opportunity to showcase his skills on a bigger stage.
Tomlin’s journey to the NBA has been marked by perseverance and steady improvement. After going undrafted last year, he participated in the NBA Summer League, where he was featured in five games for the Cavaliers. His performance earned him an Exhibit 10 contract ahead of training camp, eventually leading him to join the Cleveland Charge in the G League. This progression underscores the team’s belief in his potential as they continue to monitor his development closely.
During his stint with the Cavaliers, Tomlin also had a brief yet notable experience on a 10-day contract. “The 24-year-old signed a 10-day contract with the Cavaliers on Feb. 10, averaging 3.3 points and two rebounds in three appearances. He recorded five points and three rebounds on Feb. 21 in a 142-105 win over the New York Knicks.”
His contributions may seem modest at first glance, but his underlying performance with the Charge has been impressive. Currently, he is “averaging 15.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.5 blocks on 36.1% shooting from 3-point range in 37 games with the Charge.” Moreover, his standout performance on Jan. 14 – scoring 34 points with 19 rebounds and four blocks in a loss to the College Park Skyhawks – highlights his ability to take charge on the court.
Tomlin’s background reveals a robust foundation in collegiate basketball. The 6-foot-10 forward honed his skills during three formative years in junior college, spending time at Chipola College and Monroe Community College, where he earned NJCAA honorable mention All-American honors in 2022. His collegiate journey continued at Kansas State before he wrapped up his career at Memphis last season. As a fifth-year senior at Memphis, he averaged 14 points, six rebounds, and 1.1 blocks on 39.6% shooting from beyond the arc in 21 games. Notably, he delivered 16 double-digit scoring performances, including a season-high output of 28 points, seven rebounds, and two steals on March 3 in a win over UAB.
With this new two-way contract, the Cavaliers not only deepen their developmental roster but also provide Tomlin with a valuable platform to further refine his game. His progress in both the NBA Summer League and the G League indicates that he could be a key contributor for the team in the near future.