Cavaliers Select Elite Three-Point Shooter With 34th Overall Pick

The Cleveland Cavaliers have selected Meleek Thomas with the 34th overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.

Thomas played at a high level for Arkansas, averaging 15.6 points per game along with 3.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.5 steals. The 19-year-old shot 43.5 percent from the field and 41.6 percent from three.

Thomas is a knockdown shooter, shooting at that efficient clip on 5.3 three-point attempts per game.

He could play a key role off the bench in his rookie campaign for Cleveland and give the front office more flexibility to move rotational players as they try to save money.

The Cavs originally held the 29th overall pick but traded down with the Sacramento Kings to acquire the 34th overall pick and a 2032 second-round pick.

Cleveland saved money in the process of this deal while creating more financial flexibility to stay under the second apron as they try to build a contender around Donovan Mitchell.

Mitchell led the Cavs to the Eastern Conference Finals in the 2025-26 season, but they were swept by the New York Knicks.

It was a disappointing end to the season, as Cleveland was expecting to contend for the NBA title, making a major trade at the deadline to acquire star point guard James Harden.

The Cavs now face difficult roster decisions as they aim to stay under the second apron while building a competitive roster. That has led to rumors about Harden's impending free agency, as well as about trades involving their All-Star bigs, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen.

With the tough moves that Cleveland has to make, it was important to add a rotational player on a cheap contract in the draft, and the selection of Thomas accomplishes that.

While Thomas may take time to develop as a defender at the NBA level, he could be a spark plug and shooter for the Cavs off the bench in his rookie season.

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