The Cleveland Cavaliers added a promising prospect after drafting Meleek Thomas at No. 34 in the NBA Draft on Wednesday. The pick was acquired by the Cavaliers after trading Alex Karaban, whom they selected at No. 29, to the Sacramento Kings.

Thomas is coming off a productive one-and-done stint at Arkansas, helping the team win the SEC Tournament. He averaged 15.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.5 steals. The Razorbacks reached the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament.

He was back at Barclays Center in Brooklyn for the NBA Draft. In 2025, he played in the same venue for the McDonald’s All-American Game, along with fellow draftees AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer, Darius Acuff Jr., and Nate Ament, among others.

When a reporter pointed out that it was a full-circle moment, Thomas agreed.

“Like you said, full-circle moment. To me, it means that I’m in these rooms for a specific reason. I was here for McDonald’s, and now I’m back getting drafted. So, I was supposed to be there, then I’m supposed to be here now,” said the 19-year-old guard.

“When I come back to play in Brooklyn again, I’m supposed to be there and take care of business.”

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Thomas achieved his lifelong dream to reach the NBA. He knows that he has his work cut out for him on the Cavaliers. But in the meantime, being back in a familiar place, this time on a bigger stage, is a cause for celebration.

“It means to the world to me just because to see different steps in my life and different phases in my life in the same areas or different areas, it just shows the work you put in is gonna show up, regardless,” added Thomas.