Cleveland Cavaliers Rookie Watch - Tyrese Proctor

The 2025-26 Cleveland Cavaliers are a heavy favorite to win the Eastern Conference this season, thanks to a combination of their roster makeup and the fact that season-altering injuries have taken their toll on the competition. 

While there have been numerous second-round picks that have made an impact on the league and their team over time, these late-round picks rarely receive significant minutes during their rookie season to do so. The Cavaliers clearly see something special in combo guard Tyrese Proctor. 

After earning All-ACC third team honors during his junior season with the Duke Blue Devils, Proctor declared for the NBA Draft. Shooting 45% from the field and 42% from downtown, the Australian guard showed NBA scouts significant growth in his game and a skillset that all teams desire in today’s style of play. 

Proctor’s international experience also sets him apart from typical second-round rookies. Making the Australian Senior National Team at the age of 16, Proctor is already accustomed to playing against grown men at the highest level of international competition. This early exposure to elite competition should help him adjust more quickly to the NBA’s pace and physicality that other rookies might not be accustomed to. 

Despite falling to the 49th pick, Proctor was presented with a 4-year / $8.69 million deal (first two years guaranteed), proving that the Cavs have a genuine belief in his potential to contribute meaningfully to the team this season. As a versatile, 6’6” combo guard who can defend multiple positions, Proctor fits perfectly into coach Kenny Atkinson’s system. 

While at first it looked like Proctor may have been relegated to deep in the bench as the Cavaliers have a wealth of backcourt talent in Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, Sam Merrill, Lonzo Ball, Max Strus, and Craig Porter Jr., the rookie may have a chance to break into the Cavs rotation at some point early this season. With Garland expected to miss the start of the 2025-26 schedule and Strus out for up to four months, Proctor could find meaningful minutes in the Cavaliers' rotation. 

After a successful Summer League season, highlighted by a 35-point effort, look for Proctor to settle into a “gunner for hire” type role off the bench, playing 8-12 minutes per night, averaging 5-8 points with a couple of assists and rebounds.