Story perspectives

Cavs' Thomas shines, Wolves' Evans struggles after draft.

7/15/2026

Summary

Evans Drafted

Minnesota Timberwolves chose Duke wing Isaiah Evans with No. 33 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Cleveland Cavaliers selected Arkansas guard Meleek Thomas at No. 34 in same draft.
Evans played two Summer League games and shot 0-of-15 from three-point range and 2-of-23.
Thomas averaged 28.3 points, 4 rebounds and 4.3 assists in three Summer League games, sparking speculation he could earn minutes over backup guards Dennis Schroder and Craig Porter Jr.

Summary

Thomas Upset

Thomas was drafted 34th by the Kings, then traded to Cleveland, and remains upset.
Cleveland’s guard corps of Harden, Mitchell and Mobley creates a backup point-guard battle that now includes Thomas.
Atkinson praised Thomas’s full-court pressure and four steals against Detroit as proof of defensive potential.
If Thomas sustains scoring, the Cavs may move Max Strus or Sam Merrill to free cap space while LeBron James talks continue.

History

Historical Context

In the 1995 NBA Draft, the Minnesota Timberwolves selected Kevin Garnett with the fifth overall pick, instantly reshaping the franchise. Garnett’s 21.0 points per game and 2,000-plus career rebounds propelled Minnesota to its first playoff berth in 1997 and a record turnaround. Today, the Timberwolves’ 2026 selection of Isaiah Evans and the Cavaliers’ 34th-overall pick Meleek Thomas echo Garnett’s draft-day promise amid fierce guard battles. If Evans or Thomas blossom like Garnett, Minnesota could reach a final while Cleveland reshapes cap space around LeBron James, James Harden and Donovan Mitchell.

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Evans Drafted

Minnesota Timberwolves chose Duke wing Isaiah Evans with No. 33 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Cleveland Cavaliers selected Arkansas guard Meleek Thomas at No. 34 in same draft.
Evans played two Summer League games and shot 0-of-15 from three-point range and 2-of-23.
Thomas averaged 28.3 points, 4 rebounds and 4.3 assists in three Summer League games, sparking speculation he could earn minutes over backup guards Dennis Schroder and Craig Porter Jr.

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