Cleveland Cavaliers' Jaylon Tyson has been making waves, and it's time to dive into why his new role might just be the perfect fit. Initially, Tyson seemed locked in as a starter under Kenny Atkinson, especially after a jaw-dropping 39-point performance on January 16. It looked like the Cavs had found their wing.
But basketball is a game of adjustments. With the trade deadline bringing in James Harden and others, Tyson's role evolved.
Over the last four games, he hasn't been in the starting lineup. Instead, Dean Wade has been thriving as a spot-up shooter, benefiting from Harden's precise passing.
Meanwhile, Tyson has taken on a new challenge as the Sixth Man, and it's a role he’s starting to embrace.
In a recent win against the Knicks, Tyson led the Cavs in bench minutes, scoring 12 points and grabbing eight rebounds in 27 minutes. His athleticism shone through, clearly outmatching the Knicks' second unit.
While moving to the bench might not have been Tyson's first choice, it could be a game-changer for the Cavs. With Harden and Donovan Mitchell commanding the offense, Tyson's talents would be underutilized in a starting role focused on corner threes. Instead, coming off the bench allows him to showcase his full skill set, making him a crucial asset for Cleveland's playoff aspirations.
Tyson's shift to the bench isn't a demotion-it's a strategic move. With the depth Cleveland possesses, having a player of Tyson's caliber as the Sixth Man is a luxury. If he can embrace this role, he'll be in a prime position to make a significant impact, proving that sometimes, the best way to shine is from the sidelines.