Tyrese Proctor has turned a small role into something the Cleveland Cavaliers can actually use.
The second-year guard isn’t piling up touches or running the show, but he has been efficient with the chances he’s gotten. Through his early stretch, Proctor is averaging 5.5 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 13 minutes per game while shooting 52.2% from the field. From deep, he has been even sharper, hitting seven of his 12 3-point attempts for 58.3%.
That kind of production matters for a player trying to carve out a place in Cleveland’s backcourt. Proctor has shown he can plug in, do a little of everything and not demand a heavy offensive load to stay useful.
His recent run has only strengthened that case. He put up seven points, six rebounds and two assists against Atlanta, then followed with nine points and five assists in Cleveland’s 136-111 win over Milwaukee. After that, he added 10 points, four rebounds and two assists against Oklahoma City.
The role has shifted from game to game, but Proctor has handled the assignments well. He’s been willing to work within them, and that has made his minutes count.
A big part of that comes from how little the ball has been in his hands. Proctor’s usage rate is 12.9%, which reflects a job that has mostly kept him off the ball rather than in charge of possessions.
That fits what Cleveland needs around James Harden and Donovan Mitchell. The Cavaliers need guards who can space the floor, spot the opening and make the right play when the ball finds them. It’s also why Cavs rookie Meleek Thomas has worked so well.
Proctor has filled that lane with his shooting. His 58.3% mark from 3-point range comes from a small sample, but he has made the most of the looks he’s gotten. That immediate payoff has given Cleveland real value.
Against Oklahoma City, he knocked down two first-quarter 3-pointers as the Cavaliers built a 30-26 lead. Those shots mattered during a stretch when Cleveland was having trouble finishing other chances.
He also showed he can do more than stand in the corner. Proctor drove for a layup early in the fourth quarter and later hit two free throws to put Cleveland ahead 94-93. That kind of play gave the Cavaliers another guard who could attack when the lane opened.
The passing numbers are just as encouraging. Proctor ranks fourth on the team with 4.5 potential assists per game despite his limited minutes. Potential assists track passes that lead to shot attempts, so they give a fuller picture of his playmaking than assists alone.
He also owns a 21.6% assist percentage, which ranks third on the Cavaliers. That number estimates the share of teammates’ made field goals he assists while he’s on the floor.
Put together, those figures suggest Proctor is helping Cleveland create offense, not just keep the ball moving. He’s contributing in a support role, but he’s still making the offense better.
His five assists against Milwaukee came on passes to Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, along with a late connection with Tristan Enaruna. Against Oklahoma City, he set up Allen for a first-quarter dunk and later found Mario Hezonja for a third-quarter 3-pointer during Cleveland’s comeback.
Kenny Atkinson has also used him all over the floor. Proctor has logged 28% of his minutes at point guard, 52% at shooting guard and 20% at small forward.
Those numbers show how often he’s been paired with other ball handlers, and they also show Cleveland’s willingness to move him around. At point guard, he can start things.
Next to another creator, he can space the floor and make the next pass. His rebounding has added another layer, especially in that six-rebound game against Atlanta.
None of this means the hot shooting will last forever. A few strong outings won’t lock him into the rotation.
What will matter more is whether he keeps making smart decisions, stays solid defensively and remains involved even when the shots stop falling.
For now, Proctor has given Cleveland several useful things in limited minutes. He has hit open shots, helped on the glass and created chances for teammates while accepting a smaller offensive role.
The Cavaliers don’t need him to run every possession. They just need him to keep making the most of the opportunities in front of him. Right now, he’s doing exactly that.
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Mobley was a second-round selection by the Cavaliers in 2022, and his path since then has been a familiar one for players trying to carve out a longer runway in the game. Around the wider basketball world, Killian Hayes has been linked to Maccabi Tel Aviv, Josh Hart has been mentioned as a possible fit for Napoli Basket down the line, and the NBA has also been dealing with questions from U.S. senators about its partnership with Rwanda. [Read more 🡒]