Insider Says Cavs Wing Prospect Is ‘Trending Up’

The Cleveland Cavaliers have one final two-way contract spot available.

They chose not to extend a qualifying offer to Emoni Bates, and while that doesn’t mean they won’t bring him back, it seems like they’re keeping their options open.

However, it also looks like Tristan Enaruna is leading the way to get that spot.

According to a report by team insider Sam Amico, the Cleveland State product has turned plenty of heads with his strong play on both ends of the floor during the Summer League:

“Enaruna, who played two seasons with the Vikings after stops at Kansas and Iowa State, put his athleticism on full display. The 6-foot-8 forward finished with 19 points, four rebounds and three steals, bringing energy and verticality in transition and the halfcourt. He’s far from a finished product. Enaruna isn’t known for his outside shot, and he doesn’t dominate in any one skill area, except for maybe athleticism,” Amico wrote. “As for Enaruna, the push for a two-way deal is officially on. The athleticism is real. The production is trending up. And if he keeps playing like this, Cleveland’s final two-way spot might already be spoken for.”

Enaruna went undrafted last season before signing a deal with the Boston Celtics.

He spent the year with the Celtics’ G-League affiliate before getting the nod with the Cavs for the Summer League.

He’s big, has long arms, and strong defensive instincts to match up with big wings and athletic players.

He can play and guard both forward spots and some shooting guard, and he’s also taken a big step as a floor-spacer with his three-point shooting.

The Cavs have a big need for physical and athletic wings, and Enaruna seems to fit that bill.

Of course, even if he gets a contract, he’s likely to spend most of the season with the G-League affiliate.

But who knows? We’ve seen multiple G-League players make a strong impression and carve out a bigger role and even long-term deals in the past, and he might be the next in line to join that list.