Cavs top draft pick Tyrese Proctor used to lofty expectations

INDEPENDENCE — The Cavaliers have lofty aspirations this year and expect to be one of the top teams in the NBA. After playing three years at Duke, second-round pick Tyrese Proctor is used to high expectations. "Every game at Duke, the lights are on you," he said Monday at Cleveland's summer league minicamp at Cleveland Clinic Courts. "It's one thing that will carry over to the NBA. Every game in the NBA is a big-time game. I've been through that already." Proctor, the No. 49 pick in the 2025 draft, is preparing for the Las Vegas Summer League. The Cavs open play against the Pacers at 5 p.m. Thursday. "I've been on a unique journey, to say the least," he said. "I found my way into the rotation at Duke. I want to build off that confidence-wise and mentally." Cleveland's summer league coach, Omar Cook, has one message for the 6-foot-5, 183-pound Proctor. "Shoot the ball," he said. "We drafted him because he's a shot-maker. Don't pass up shots. Shoot the ball. Being a rookie, he'll have to learn on the fly. We want him to be aggressive." Proctor, 21, said he wants to find playing time any way he can. "I want to do whatever I can to get on the floor and stay on the floor," he said. "Defense is a big one, no matter where you go. "I'm a really good shooter. I showed that last year at Duke. I can space the floor. I can play off the ball and play different positions. I want to keep learning defensively. I'll try to impact winning as much as I can." He said he's proud of the fact that all five Duke starters were drafted. The Australian native said he keeps in contact with his former college teammates. He said playing with such talented players in college can only help him in the NBA. Proctor said getting the free rein to shoot feels great. "That's what I do," Proctor said. "When you have that great light, you have that much more confidence behind you. My teammates and coaches want me to shoot the ball and to make the right read. That's what I want to do." He can't wait to get to Vegas for summer league. "I just want to go out and play free," he said. "I want to keep getting better every game I play." Proctor said he never worked out for the Cavs before the draft. He met with the front office at the Chicago pre-draft camp. "It's been a learning experience, a great journey," he said. "I've been loving it ever since I got here. They've welcomed me with open arms. "There were a lot of emotions after all the hard work you've put in the gym for hours and hours, days, years. It was really cool. I was staying out in L.A. with my family. It was a really special night." The Cavs signed him to a four-year, $8.69 million contract, according to HoopsHype. The first two years are guaranteed on the contract, which includes a significant guarantee in the third year and a team option in the fourth year. "I'm blessed to be in that position," Proctor said. "I'm coming into a great organization. They had a heck of a year last year and just came up short. They want to get back to that winning culture here and continue to succeed." Right after being drafted, Cavs shooting guard Donovan Mitchell called him. Proctor said he wants to be like a "sponge" with Mitchell. "He's a great player," he said. Proctor is slightly built and at 183 pounds, he'll need to add some bulk. "I put in a lot of work in the weight room and with my nutrition," he said. "I still have a long way to go. I want to get stronger and have a stronger base and see where it takes me." Bob Finnan can be reached at rfinnan30@gmail.com. Follow him @BobCavsinsider on X.