The Cleveland Cavaliers began their preseason as they fell at home to the Chicago Bulls, 117-116. As is routine for preseason match-ups, the starters’ minutes were reduced and bench players were given a run-out. Therefore, it wasn’t a match that truly gauges Cleveland’s overall ability, but one that provides pointers Cavs head coach Kenny Atkinson and the team can take and assess for the season ahead.
3 Takeaways From Cavs Preseason Opener
In the Cavaliers vs Bulls match, Atkinson mainly tested out how rotations could work without both starters Darius Garland and Max Strus. A positive start saw the Cavs race into an 11-point lead in the first quarter. The starters were benched with six minutes remaining in the third quarter, and a 9-3 run in the last two minutes of the game saw the Bulls run away with the victory. Despite the loss, let’s see what we can mostly look forward to for the season from that game
1. Evan Mobley Ready to Further Increase Offensive Load
A key point in the Atkinson regime last season was to expand Evan Mobley’s offensive game, letting him drive to the basket and push the ball in transition. Now we’re seeing his improvement in feeding his teammates and reading the defense, passing off-the-dribble to players like Jarrett Allen after attracting doubles. We’re also seeing his willingness to shoot from long-range, hitting 3s from the wing off hand-offs. Mobley’s evolution into a superstar will be the Cavaliers’ key to a championship, thus his offensive progression is essential.
The reigning Defensive Player of the Year finished with 12 points (5-10 FG, 2-4 3P), six rebounds, two assists, one block, one steal, and two turnovers in 18 minutes.
2. Jaylon Tyson Can Be Key Defensive Piece
Atkinson opted to start Jaylon Tyson, the 20th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, at the two-guard in the absence of Garland. Meanwhile, longtime shooting guard Donovan Mitchell started at point guard. Atkinson decided to opt with the sophomore likely to ease veteran newcomer Lonzo Ball in.
Tyson did not disappoint with his opportunity, with two blocks and a steal in 18 minutes. He showed versatility, keeping up both at the perimeter and also with weak-side defense. On the offensive end, he was a smart playmaker, with three assists to his name. However, his shooting will need to improve, as he went 0-5 from beyond the arc. A versatile point-of-attack defender is key for the Cavs to get out of the East, so expect Tyson to be a regular within the rotation this season.
In 18 minutes, Tyson recorded zero points (0-5 FG, 0-5 3P), three assists, two blocks, and one steal.
3. Have the Cavs Found a Ty Jerome Replacement?
With Ty Jerome leaving as a free agent this offseason, the Cavs have a lack of proven ball-handlers on the bench. They might’ve found a solution to that issue in the form of 2025 No. 49 pick Tyrese Proctor. The rookie from Duke shined against the Bulls, putting up 14 points on 5-6 shooting.
Tyrese Proctor vs CHI (preseason)
14 PTS, 5-6 FG, 3-4 3P, 12 MP
pic.twitter.com/iinlvYSePB— Tahj (@simplyballup) October 8, 2025
He showed proficiency in shooting off-the-dribble and reading the defense to hit cutters and open shooters. His highlight play in the game was hitting a brilliant step-back through contact for a four-point play. The Cavaliers are already set-up to have an extremely deep roster, and if they can add a replacement for a Sixth Man of the Year finalist, then the league will be in deep trouble.
In 12 minutes, Proctor recorded 14 points (5-6 FG, 3-4 3P), two assists, and one steal.
© Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
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