The Cleveland Cavaliers currently have an open two-way roster spot, and many speculated that it might go to rookie Tristan Enaruna. However, with Summer League now in the rearview mirror, there’s still no official word on a deal for the Dutch forward.
Enaruna, who went undrafted in last year’s NBA Draft, was picked up by the Cavs for their Summer League squad. Originally from the Netherlands, he moved to the U.S. in high school to pursue basketball, spending time at Kansas and Iowa State before transferring to Cleveland State. It was with the Vikings that he found his stride, emerging as a mid-major standout by averaging 19.6 points and 6.5 rebounds per game in his final college season.
That performance earned him a training camp invitation from the Boston Celtics, though he was waived and spent last season with the G League’s Maine Red Claws. This summer, he joined Cleveland’s Summer League team in Las Vegas, where he played a regular role alongside roster players like Tyrese Proctor, Jaylon Tyson, and Nae’Qwon Tomlin. Enaruna averaged 13.2 points per game, showcasing his physicality and two-way potential. At 6’8″ with a strong frame and solid mobility, he showed flashes of being a fit for the pro game, even if he lacks elite athleticism.
His ball-handling is above average for his size—similar in style to teammate Jaylon Tyson. The main concern remains his shooting consistency. Though he shot 35% from beyond the arc in Vegas, he’ll need to keep improving to fit Cleveland’s shooting-heavy offensive scheme. The Cavaliers have had success developing players like him before, so there’s optimism he could grow into a rotational player.
So, will Cleveland sign Enaruna? His physical profile—6’8” with a 7-foot wingspan—makes him an ideal combo forward. But with the Cavs prioritizing spacing and shooting, his future might hinge on that outside shot.
The likely next step is a training camp invite and an Exhibit 10 deal, which would allow Cleveland to assign him to their G League affiliate, the Charge. If he shows continued progress, a two-way contract next summer isn’t out of the question.
Another factor? The Cavaliers’ final standard roster spot. If they sign a veteran big man like Kevin Love or add a point guard while Darius Garland recovers from toe surgery, that could free up the two-way slot for Enaruna. If not, that spot may go to a player with center size instead.
Ultimately, while Enaruna didn’t dominate Summer League like Tomlin or Tyson, he showed enough potential to stay on the radar. His NBA opportunity may not come immediately—but it could be closer than it seems.
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