Nae’Qwan Tomlin isn’t just making the most of his opportunity with the Cleveland Cavaliers - he’s demanding a bigger one. Every time he steps on the floor, it’s clear: this two-way contract isn’t going to hold him for much longer. The clock is ticking on his 50-game limit, and with 38 games already counted, the Cavs are staring down a decision that feels more like a formality than a debate.
Tomlin has carved out a real role in Cleveland’s rotation, and it’s not just about filling minutes - it’s about changing the energy of the game. His presence is felt the moment he checks in.
He brings a rare mix of relentless hustle, defensive versatility, and a motor that just doesn’t quit. It’s that “racehorse mentality” - the kind of up-and-down, 94-foot sprint that fans have affectionately dubbed the “Nae’Qwan skedaddle.”
And honestly, it fits. He’s everywhere.
Whether it’s diving on the floor for loose balls, switching onto guards, or soaring in for a putback dunk, Tomlin plays like he’s got something to prove - and maybe he does.
Head coach Kenny Atkinson certainly seems to think so. After a recent win over the Jazz, Atkinson didn’t hold back in his praise, noting how essential Tomlin’s energy has become.
“It felt like there were two of him out there,” he said. That’s not just coach-speak - that’s a clear signal that Tomlin isn’t just surviving out there; he’s thriving.
Defensively, he’s been a spark plug. Atkinson’s been using him to pick up full court, and Tomlin’s length and quickness make him a disruptive force.
He’s not just a body on the perimeter - he’s an active, engaged defender who can blow up a possession before it even starts. Offensively, he’s learning how to pick his spots.
Those slot cuts are becoming more refined, and when he gets the chance to finish at the rim, he doesn’t hesitate - he throws it down with authority.
What’s also encouraging is how the coaching staff is adjusting to maximize his impact. Atkinson is starting to surround Tomlin with more shooting, spacing the floor to give him room to operate and making it harder for defenses to collapse on him. That’s a sign of trust - and of a player who’s earned it.
The Cavs, fresh off a sweep of the Sixers and finally getting a couple of days off after a grueling stretch, are in a groove. And Tomlin’s emergence is a big reason why.
He’s not just filling a gap - he’s helping elevate the team’s identity. The question isn’t whether the Cavs will convert his deal into a standard contract.
The question is when.
With 12 games left before his two-way eligibility runs out, the Cavaliers have a choice to make. But if Tomlin keeps playing like this, it’s less about choice and more about inevitability.