What Cavs' Meleek Thomas draft pick means for James Harden
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What Cavs' Meleek Thomas draft pick means for James Harden originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Cleveland Cavaliers wanted to save a little bit of money, which is why they traded down from the 29th to the 34th pick to open their 2026 NBA Draft.
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They then got a guy they probably would've taken five spots earlier: Meleek Thomas out of Arkansas.
Thomas is a bucket. He can shoot it. And he can defend.
This is a sneaky interesting pick by Cleveland. Many thought Thomas would go in the first round.
Thomas now joins a talented backcourt with James Harden and Donovan Mitchell.
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What does Meleek Thomas draft pick mean for Cavs?
It actually just gives the Cavs some added depth.
Harden is going to get some kind of restructured deal with Cleveland this offseason, but he's not going anywhere.
It'll still be Mitchell and Harden starting in the backcourt.
Thomas now brings some youth, athleticism and shooting off the bench. He also can be a disruptive defender in a way the veteran guards potentially can't anymore.
There are no guarantees with Thomas, but at the 34th spot, he was great value for Cleveland, and he could factor into their future backcourt plans in a solid way.