Jaylon Tyson has played a crucial role in the Cleveland Cavaliers’ remarkable midseason turnaround. His growth from his rookie year has put the 6-foot-6 shooting guard/forward in the running for the NBA Most Improved Player of the Year Award.
The Cavaliers have been in the spotlight, winning 10 of their last 11 games and trading for James Harden, a future Hall of Famer. However, their resurgence began not with this trade but with a change in the lineup.
On December 17, the Cavs benched De’Andre Hunter and removed Lonzo Ball from the rotation, allowing Tyson to step into a bigger role. (In late January, Hunter was traded to the Sacramento Kings.) Tyson took advantage of this chance, leading to a significant change in the season.
Tyson faces tough competition, including Portland’s Deni Avdija, Atlanta’s Jalen Johnson, and Utah’s Keyonte George, all of whom have improved significantly. However, Tyson’s performance is notable as he is contributing on a title-contending team, making him a strong candidate for the award.
Here are three reasons Tyson, selected as the 20th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, stands out as a leading contender.
1. Massive Improvement Year to Year
Before Thursday’s game against the Brooklyn Nets, Tyson was averaging 13.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.3 assists, with shooting percentages of 51.4% from the field, 47.5% from beyond the arc, and 75% from the free-throw line.
In his rookie year, Tyson appeared in 47 games, starting three, and averaged only 9.6 minutes per game with stats of 3.6 points, two rebounds, and 0.9 assists. The jump in his performance statistics is impressive.
2. Unexpected Positive Impact
While the Cavaliers anticipated Tyson’s development, few expected such rapid growth. Had Max Strus not missed time due to injury, Tyson may not have received as many minutes early in the season.
Cleveland began the season with a lot of veteran players, making experience a key factor. If fully healthy, the starting lineup would likely include Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, Hunter, Jarrett Allen, and Evan Mobley, leaving little room for Tyson. This context highlights his case for Most Improved Player.
3. Key Player During Struggles
Since Hunter was moved to the bench, the Cavaliers have a record of 19-8. Tyson’s emergence has injected energy, versatility, and consistent production into the team, shifting Cleveland from struggling to being a serious contender in the Eastern Conference.
Mobley hasn’t been as offensive as expected, and both Allen and Garland have missed time and been inconsistent. Harden is still adjusting to his new team.
Throughout the season, Tyson has played alongside Mitchell. When other players faced difficulties, Tyson helped hold the team together. He ranks as the team’s second-most reliable player and is an excellent candidate for the Most Improved Player award.