CLEVELAND, Ohio — Cavs head coach Kenny Atkinson had the privilege of being the one to inform rising star Jaylon Tyson about his selection to the Rising Stars team, a moment that came before the Cavaliers faced off against the Orlando Magic. The announcement was made on Monday night while the team warmed up, and Atkinson made a point to pull Tyson aside to share the good news.
Following a 114-98 victory over the Magic, the celebration evolved with the crowd cheering and an in-arena announcement. Tyson shared an emotional moment with his mentor, Donovan Mitchell, as the Cleveland bench rallied the audience to amplify the excitement.
“I had an idea I might be in it, but it’s a step closer to what my end goal is,” Tyson stated. He expressed his ambitions for the future, clearly aiming for an All-Star appearance. The Rising Stars game, scheduled for February 13 in Los Angeles, highlights the best young talent in the NBA, featuring a format that includes a mini-tournament.
Tyson’s inclusion in this prestigious event is a testament to his remarkable growth this season. The No. 20 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, he faced challenges during his rookie year, logging only 453 minutes and scoring 167 points while also gaining experience in the G League. However, this season has seen a significant turnaround. With injured players like Max Strus and Darius Garland unavailable, Tyson has seized the opportunity and evolved into one of Cleveland’s most reliable players.
Atkinson praised Tyson’s relentless work ethic, noting that his strong training habits have contributed to his impressive performance on the court. Tyson is currently averaging 13.7 points while shooting an outstanding 51.3% overall and 46.2% from three-point range.
His success is reflected not only in personal statistics but also in broader comparisons within the league. Among first- and second-year players, he stands out as one of only nine athletes averaging at least 13.5 points and 5.0 rebounds, as well as being the only one shooting over 45% from beyond the arc.
Tyson remains humble about his achievements, attributing them to teamwork and his role on the team. “I just get them the ball and then when I get the ball, shoot it or set a screen and play defense,” he explained, emphasizing the collaborative nature of basketball.
Looking ahead, Tyson aims even higher, expressing a desire to be considered for the Most Improved Player award—a goal he feels he deserves based on his significant progress this season. With the right mindset and the support of his teammates, Tyson continues to thrive as one of the key components of the Cavaliers’ success, signaling a bright future for both him and the franchise.