While some fans could see LeBron James reunite with the Cleveland Cavs, they should be excited about their second-round pick, Meleek Thomas, who earned a shoutout from Hall of Fame forward Carmelo Anthony. Anthony believes the Cavs drafted the steal of the 2026 draft in Thomas.

After the Cavs wrapped up summer league play, Anthony discussed Thomas’ game, per 7PM in Brooklyn.

“While we expect they should be playing well, AJ, Boozer, Darryn Peterson, Caleb Wilson. Like, by the way, he’s my sleeper in this draft,” Anthony said. “He’s been since high school. But what I’m saying is Meleek Thomas, right? Somebody who shouldn’t have left in my opinion. Shouldn’t have left Arkansas. Shouldn’t have left school early, but took a gamble and a bet on himself. You know what? I believe in my craft. I believe in my skill.

“I believe in my work ethic. I just want to get there. Like, there’s different strategies to getting there. I just want to get there. And when I get there, I’mma show you why I wanted this so bad. So, he came out up against the wall, up against the eight-ball, drafted second round. Could have been a top 20 pick. Up against the eight-ball, drafted second round.”

Anthony is thoroughly impressed with how Thomas not only kept up with the lottery picks and other first-round draftees in summer league, but outshone them for everyone to see.

“Now, you get an opportunity to play in the summer league against all these n***** that went before you,” Anthony added. “And he’s showing up.”

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After a 35-point performance, Cavs rookie Meleek Thomas averaged 27.3 points on 50.0/43.8/1.000 shooting splits throughout summer league. He also finished with 30 points, seven assists, and four steals in a 90-73 win against the Heat, which wasn’t overlooked by Carmelo Anthony, who will continue to sing his praises between now and throughout Thomas’ rookie season.