Cleveland Cavs rookie Meleek Thomas earned his first NBA start against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday. The 34th overall pick is off to an impressive start this season. Thomas sat out the Cavs’ first two games; he stayed ready for his opportunities, and it has paid off.
In a 117-112 loss to the Thunder, Thomas finished with a season-high 17 points, five rebounds, and one steal in his first career start on Monday. He also earned a spot in ClutchPoints’ first Rookie Power Rankings of the 2026-27 season. Thomas is ranked No. 10.
“Behind Donovan Mitchell and James Harden, rookie guard Meleek Thomas has started to make a name for himself,” ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel wrote.
“Thomas did not make his season debut for the Cleveland Cavaliers until their third game of the season, yet he has recorded at least 10 points in all four games he has played in. On Monday, in a 117-112 loss to the Thunder, Thomas notched a career-high 17 points and five rebounds in just his fourth game of the season.”
Cavs’ Meleek Thomas is averaging 13.0 points on 48.9% shooting, including an impressive 47.6% from deep, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.0 steals per game. After Monday’s game, Thomas reflected on starting in an NBA game for the first time and what it meant to him, per Cleveland.com’s Chris Fedor.
“It means everything to me. You obviously dream of getting here, but then to be able to contribute to winning so early in the season by starting the game and being able to help your guys out. It just means the world to me,” Thomas said after Monday’s game.
Meleek on his first NBA start:
"It means everything to me. You obviously dream of getting here but then to be able to contribute to winning so early in the season by starting the game and being bale to help your guys out. It just means the world to me."
(h/t @ChrisFedor) pic.twitter.com/wacCY3Bojg
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Thomas and the Cavs will face the Thunder in a road rematch on Wednesday.