The Cleveland Cavaliers may not be lighting up the Eastern Conference like they did during stretches of last season, but they’re still very much in the mix. Sitting at 25-20 and holding down the sixth seed in the East, they’ve quietly stayed afloat - and one of the more intriguing reasons why is the emergence of Nae’Qwan Tomlin.
Tomlin’s rise has been one of the more under-the-radar success stories of the season. After initially joining the Cavs late last year on a 10-day contract, the 6-foot-10 forward earned a two-way deal and has since carved out a legitimate rotation role. Now, as the regular season hits its midway point and the playoff picture begins to sharpen, Cleveland is reportedly considering converting Tomlin’s two-way contract into a standard NBA deal.
And honestly, it’s hard to argue he hasn’t earned it.
Tomlin has appeared in 34 games so far this season - including a pair of starts - averaging just over 16 minutes per night. He’s putting up 6.2 points and 3.3 rebounds per game, shooting 47.5% from the field and a respectable 71.8% from the free-throw line. These aren’t eye-popping numbers, but context matters: he’s providing energy, length, and versatility off the bench, all on a team that’s been dealing with injuries and inconsistency across the board.
The Cavs currently have 14 players on standard NBA contracts and three players on two-way deals. That leaves one open roster spot, which Tomlin could slide into seamlessly.
Under league rules, two-way players are eligible for up to 50 games on the active NBA roster, and Tomlin is already at 34. With the second half of the season looming - and the playoffs not far behind - Cleveland has a decision to make.
The one wrinkle? The trade deadline.
Until that passes, there’s always a chance the roster could shift. The front office might want to keep that 15th spot flexible in case a trade opens up a more pressing need.
But if the roster stays intact, Tomlin looks like the frontrunner to lock down that final spot and become playoff eligible.
It’s been a winding road for Tomlin, who went undrafted in the 2024 NBA Draft. He suited up for the Cavs in Summer League, earned a training camp invite, and was one of the final cuts before the regular season began. From there, he spent time with the Cleveland Charge, the team’s G League affiliate, before getting called up - and making the most of his opportunity.
Now, with his foot firmly in the NBA door, Tomlin is showing he might be more than just a feel-good story. He’s proving he belongs. And if the Cavs do decide to convert his deal, it won’t just be a reward - it’ll be a smart, timely move for a team looking to solidify its depth heading into the stretch run.