Cavaliers Select Duke Guard Tyrese Proctor in 2025 NBA Draft
Tyrese Proctor Drafted by Cleveland Cavaliers — A Strategic Second‑Round Gem
The Cleveland Cavaliers officially picked Duke combo‑guard Tyrese Proctor with the 49th overall selection in the 2025 NBA Draft. An Australian prospect with size, shooting prowess, and the versatility to play on or off the ball, Proctor brings promising dimensions to the Cavaliers’ evolving backcourt .
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🚀 What Proctor Offers
At 6’5″ with guard skills, Proctor averaged 12.4 PPG, 3.0 RPG, and 2.2 APG during his junior season at Duke, shooting .452/.405/.680 overall . He emerged as one of the nation’s top sharpshooters—posting over 40% from deep and excelling in pull‑ups and catch‑and‑shoot opportunities. In the NCAA tournament, he hit an eye‑popping 55.2% from beyond the arc .
Cavs GM Mike Gansey underlined Proctor’s adaptability, citing his ability to “play on and off the ball,” his shooting, and his winning pedigree from Duke, which yielded five NBA draftees this year . NBA analysts Adam Finklestein and Kyle Boone lauded the pick as both smart and cost‑effective, naming it a potential steal and issuing a draft grade of **“A”** .
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💡 Cleveland’s Calculated Backcourt Move
Cleveland’s backcourt depth and shooting ability were exposed during its playoff sweep by Indiana. While they’ve made moves—such as acquiring Lonzo Ball and potentially losing Ty Jerome in free agency—drafting Proctor fits Cleveland’s plan to keep adding shooters and combo guards .
Gansey emphasized they didn’t draft Proctor as a direct replacement for Jerome or Sam Merrill, but as “the best talent available.” The team apparently graded Proctor higher than his draft position suggested—possibly as high as a first‑round talent .
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🔄 Skill Set: Strengths & Development Areas
Strengths:
Deadly shooting from multiple spots, with long‑range accuracy.
Guard versatility, able to initiate plays and function off the ball.
Size & defensive potential—electric wingspan and instincts ideal for wing defense .
Challenges:
Athletic limitations—not an elite exploder at the rim, with below‑average finishing .
Primary playmaker growth—though capable, he’s not yet a lead ball‑handler at NBA pace.
Still, Cleveland’s front office sees Proctor as a blueprint fit: a high‑percentage shooter who can grow into a reliable sixth‑man or even stretch into a starting combo role down the line .
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🌍 A Win for Australian Basketball
Proctor’s selection makes him the fourth Australian drafted this year—joining Alex Toohey, Rocco Zikarsky, and Lachlan Olbrich—the largest Aussie class since 1997 . His NBA arrival reinforces the trend of Australian exports succeeding at the highest level.
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🏀 What’s Next for Proctor
Proctor arrives in Cleveland with expectations to earn his role in training camp. Cleveland has open two‑way slots and needs guard depth, making it likely he’ll at least receive a two‑way deal initially .
He could be a breakout candidate in Summer League, where his shooting and decision‑making will be closely watched. If he makes strong plays off the floor and holds his weight defensively, he could secure a spot on the regular-season roster.
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🔮 Season Outlook
Under GM Koby Altman and new GM Mike Gansey, Cleveland continues to aggressively address playoff weaknesses—backcourt speed, shooting, and spacing. Proctor adds a low‑cost, high‑upside component to the mix.
With veteran mentors like Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, and Lonzo Ball, Proctor will develop in a winning environment. Should he progress as planned, he offers Cleveland another deadly perimeter option.
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In summary, Tyrese Proctor’s drafting represents a smart, strategic addition for Cleveland. His shooting excellence and court IQ present real upside, especially if he can overcome athletic and primary ball‑handling gaps. His selection fits the Cavs’ broader backcourt vision—adding depth, shooting, and
two‑way possibilities in a thin second round of the NBA Draft.
