Central Notes: Thomas, Hezonja, Pistons, Pacers, Miller

Cavaliers rookie guard Meleek Thomas didn’t see any action in the first two games of the season, but he logged 19 minutes off the bench in Monday’s overtime victory over Minnesota and was a difference-maker, scoring 16 points on 6-of-10 shooting. After helping the Cavs pull out a tight win in his NBA regular season debut, Thomas referred to the night as a “dream come true,” per Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com (subscription required).

The 34th overall pick in this year’s draft, Thomas was one of the stars of Summer League in Las Vegas, averaging 27.2 points per game in four outings in July. He continued to produce in the preseason, with 10.3 points and 2.0 steals in 18.1 minutes per game across three appearances.

While Thomas came into camp tentatively penciled in behind Craig Porter Jr. and Tyrese Proctor on the Cavaliers’ backcourt depth chart, Atkinson acknowledged after the Timberwolves game that Thomas may have leapfrogged both players, neither of whom saw any action on Monday. For his part, Thomas is very confident in his ability to continue to produce.

“It was on my mind that I was going to be my best version, and that wasn’t even my best version. It’s a lot more that I haven’t shown,” the rookie said of his debut. “Every time I lace my kicks up, I’m always thinking that I’m going to do my best and have a great showing — stand out.

“I always tell myself when I hoop, I want so many people, if they didn’t know my name to leave the gym knowing my name. I just want them to know that kid really made an impact out there. So, before the game starts, the night before, I always know that the next game I get to suit up in is going to be something special from (number) 15.”

Here’s more from around the Central:

• When his first NBA stint ended in 2020, Mario Hezonja thought he might be headed toward retirement, Ethan Sands write in an in-depth profile for Cleveland.com (subscription required). However, the former fifth overall pick rejuvenated his career in Europe and returned stateside ahead of the 2026/27 season after drawing interest from the Cavaliers for a year and a half. “They were just high on me all the way along,” Hezonja said of the Cavs. “The coaching staff and my teammates made it super comfortable for me to make the transition. … Everything has been perfect so far.” The Croatian forward is playing rotation minutes for Cleveland in the early going, averaging 7.3 points and 3.7 rebounds in 17.7 minutes per game.
• The Pistons’ first loss of the season after three consecutive wins showed how much they’ll miss center Jalen Duren while he’s out with a hamstring strain, writes Omari Sankofa II of The Detroit Free Press (subscription required). Although Paul Reed put up 22 points and nine rebounds vs. New York on Tuesday, he and reserve center Tolu Smith both got into foul trouble against Knicks big man Karl-Anthony Towns, who went off for 27 points and 20 rebounds.
• The Pacers have a lengthy list of injured players for Wednesday’s contest against Philadelphia, with T.J. McConnell (right hamstring strain) still not ready to make his season debut and Ivica Zubac (left ankle sprain) sidelined for a second straight game. Guards Tyrese Haliburton (left hamstring tighteness) and Andrew Nembhard (neck soreness) are both considered questionable to suit up.
• Leonard Miller was viewed as a throw-in in last season’s Ayo Dosunmu trade, but he has since emerged as a consistent part of the Bulls’ rotation, prompting Julia Poe of The Chicago Tribune (subscription required) to wonder if the 22-year-old forward will become part of the franchise’s long-term plans. Miller, who is extension-eligible all season, will be an unrestricted free agent in July if he doesn’t sign a new contract before then.