Undrafted rookie center Tyler Cook had his two-way contract converted into a standard deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday, according to the team. The 22-year-old big man out of Iowa initially signed a partially guaranteed contract with the Denver Nuggets after going undrafted in the past summer but was later waived in preseason by the Western Conference team and claimed by the Cavaliers.
In only 17 minutes across six games, the 6-foot-8 Cook has logged 12 points and five rebounds for Cleveland. Cook has primarily been playing for the Cavs’ G League affiliate team, the Canton Charge. With the developmental team, Cook has averaged 12.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game in 15 appearances, shooting 60.2% from the field.
Cook spent three collegiate seasons at the University of Iowa, where he averaged 14.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game, while shooting 54.2% from the floor in 93 total appearances for the Hawkeyes.
Cook may be a replacement for injured power forward Larry Nance Jr., who was announced on Friday as being sidelined for up to two weeks due to left knee soreness. Cook also could eventually be a replacement in the rotation if/when the Cavs trade All-Star and veteran power forward Kevin Love, who has again been the subject of trade rumors.
The Cavs will invite Cook to the main roster to join a very young team coached by rookie head coach John Beilein, the former Michigan Wolverines coach who joined Cleveland in the past offseason to help develop young talents like Collin Sexton and Darius Garland in the backcourt.