The One Offensive Adjustment Cleveland Cavaliers Must Address Before Opening Night

There is one thing Cleveland must address before their first game on October 22. It involves the wing position.

IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

It has been a long offseason for the Cavs. For the most part, it’s been filled with disappointment at the team failing to land LeBron James. They have not made much noise, and the only guy they have brought in through free agency is Mario Hezonja.

With that said, let’s turn the focus to the guys already on the team. A certain wing player that they already have is one of the true X-factors heading into 2026-27.

If you haven’t yet figured it out, this is about Jaylon Tyson. Specifically, his role in the offense.

Get Jaylon Tyson the Rock

The 2025-26 regular season saw Jaylon Tyson show up time and again for the Cavs on both ends of the floor. On the defensive end, he was a reliable rebounder and perimeter defender. On the other side, we saw glimpses of a guy who could hit north of 43% of his threes and be a catch-and-shoot menace.

Sharing the floor with Sam Merrill and being able to knock down shots like that makes him invaluable. The thing with Tyson is that his touches disappeared in the postseason. So did his confidence and playing time. Now, that will happen when Max Strus misses 80% of the regular season and returns with a month left. But the version that was there before was electric.

The offensive adjustment the team must make is to continue to keep him involved in the gameplan. Nights like when he scored 39 against the Sixers show the potential that Tyson possesses. A ferocious player who can deliver when the ball is in his hands. Whether he is starting or coming off the bench, the Cal product is able to show up when the moment calls for it.

JAYLON TYSON WITH A STELLAR SHOWING!

🎯 39 PTS (career-high)
🎯 7 3PM (career-high)
🎯 5 REB
🎯 4 AST (including game-winner)

Cavs complete the comeback and win in Philly! pic.twitter.com/4H8BldRbM5

— NBA (@NBA) January 17, 2026

In the regular season, Tyson averaged 13 points, five rebounds, and two assists per night. Playing 27 minutes a night, he hit 49% of his shots, including 45% of the threes. It was surprising to not see a 3PT contest invite, but the team’s record at the All-Star break did leave a lot to be desired. 

Compared to the postseason where he averaged just four points and three rebounds per game, it’s clear what the difference was. Tyson made only 36% of his shots, and 24% of threes. Going from 10 shots per game down to just four left a lot to be desired, as the minutes also dipped from 27 to 12. There were even a few (surprising) DNP-CD’s. 

Tyson proved what kind of player he can be for the Cavaliers. He just needs to get the ball. So, the major adjustment that Kenny Atkinson will need to make is to go back to getting #20 the rock.