Tyrese Proctor is carving out a much-needed role with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Cleveland Cavaliers, limited by both the second round and the Donovan Mitchell trade, only had two selections in the 2025 NBA Draft, both of which came in the final 11 picks of the night.
With their first selection, which was the 49th overall pick, the Cavaliers took Tyrese Proctor, a three-year guard out of Duke, who had the potential to make an immediate impact for the Wine and Gold. Cleveland saw that potential in him by signing him to a four-year deal immediately after drafting him.
Proctor hasn’t had consistent playing time with the Cavaliers, but when he has been on the floor, he’s made
In 33 games this season, Proctor is averaging 5.0 points and just over an assist and a rebound, while connecting on 38.4 percent of his shots and 33.7 percent of his shots from behind the arc.
Nov 13, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Tyrese Proctor (24) defends the ball in the first quarter against the Toronto Raptors at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn ImagesHe’s done a great job of finding a role in Cleveland’s offense, even though it may not be the exact same one he had during his three years at Duke.
Obviously, with a team that has Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and Darius Garland on it, Proctor wasn’t going to get the opportunity to run the offense. However, he’s been a true catch-and-shoot threat to play off the team’s stars.
Proctor is currently connecting on 39 percent of his catch-and-shoot three-pointers, which ranks eighth among NBA rookies (min. 30 games played). That’s a better shooting percentage than other notable rookies such as VJ Edgecome, Ace Bailey, and Dylan Harper.
Proctor has seen an increased role with the Cavaliers ever since Darius Garland’s new toe injury, which has kept him sidelined since January 15.
Over the last week and a half, Proctor has been playing about 10 minutes a night while scoring just under seven points a game. The more impressive number has been Proctor’s efficiency; he’s shooting 57.1 percent from behind the arc on 2.8 attempts in the last five games.
Proctor is making the most of every opportunity that he’s getting with the Cavaiers. With Garland and Sam Merrill still sidelined, Kenny Atkinson could keep turning to the rookie guard, especially if he continues to show he can be a legitimate three-point and floor spacing threat.
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