Antonius Cleveland earns an earlier than expected shot in the NBA with Dallas
Everyone around the league gushed over Cleveland’s upside, but few expected a call up this early.
Every single player in the G League works tirelessly on their craft in hopes of being noticed by just one NBA front office. The majority of the elite prospects start for their team and produce eye-popping numbers.
Antonius Cleveland — or “AC” as he prefers — is different in that regard.
The Santa Cruz Warriors are one of the most talent-laden squads in the G League to start the season, so Cleveland had to impress in limited minutes off the bench. When the guys ahead of you are Quinn Cook, Michael Gbinije, Georges Niang, Cleanthony Early and Damian Jones, it’s easier to take a reduced role as a rookie.
“That’s been one of the biggest differences, because all the things I did in college are out the window”, Cleveland told 2W10D about five days before his call up to Dallas. “I’m just working as if no one knows me and I have something to prove. So I come in with that mindset. I want to try and make a first impression every day.”
In his six games with Santa Cruz he averaged 14.2 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.3 steals in under 26 minutes per contest. Even more impressive is just how efficient he’s been. He’s shooting 59.6 percent overall and 54.5 percent (6-of-11) from 3. He can also attack the rim and earn free throws (89.5 percent) as part of his repertoire.
At 6-foot-6, teams will expect Cleveland to be serviceable at the very least from outside. His NCAA numbers from 3 are concerning at first glance. He shot 28.8 percent (62-of-215) over his four years with Southeast Missouri State, but his senior year was promising when he hit 38.4 percent (28-of-73) from deep.
He might be a rookie, but he already sounds like a coach’s dream with his response as why his 3-point numbers are relatively low.
“Most important, it’s about taking good shots. I feel like I didn’t shoot a lot of them because I tried to only take good ones, and if you’re not open, it’s really not a good one.” He finished with this, “I want to just keep playing to my strengths and continue to work on improving that 3-ball as well, because in today’s game it’s somethin’ you’ve got to have.”
A lot of prospects in this league are quick to try and show they can do things scouts have penned as “weaknesses” for them. Cleveland understands the importance of developing those weaknesses while still focusing mainly on his strengths, and that’s hard to teach. Guys either get it, or they don’t and it seems like Cleveland is keen to what he needs to do.
When applicable, he can clearly hit the 3. The aspect of his jump shot mechanics which really stood out watching him in person, is the rise he is able to get. Watch him curl off this screen and though he doesn’t really lose his defender, he’s able to catch, get a balanced base and rise and fire with ease.
“I don’t even think he has a ceiling to be honest with you.”
Most players who jump this high on their jump shots struggle to keep consistent mechanics, but Cleveland is able to make one fluid motion which allows for an accurate release point.
In the future Cleveland will likely catch-and-shoot from 3 on a play like this. Here he catches, give a slight hesitation, then gets Stephen Zimmerman off balance with a strong dribble to hesitation pull up jumper. It’s flawless. Although he doesn’t create the space he would like, he’s able to get off an easy mid-range shot over a 7-foot defender due to his above average lift.
Cleveland played Summer League with Portland, and here he shows off the simplicity of his game. He snags a rebound, takes the ball into the frontcourt, uses a solid Caleb Swanigan screen and pulls up for an uncontested jumper. Most rookies over-penetrate into the lane on a play like this, and while some may finish, most will get themselves into trouble. As soon as space is created, Cleveland rises up and knocks down the jumper.
In this very small sample size of six games, he shot 9-of-18 from mid-range for the Warriors and 16-of-32 on jump shots overall. Shooting may initially appear to be a weakness for him, but lesser volume doesn’t necessarily equal inability. Cleveland can shoot the ball. He’s got quality mechanics, ridiculous rise and solid balance for a rookie.
We tend to focus on offensive ability when critiquing prospect, but the most valuable skill Cleveland brings is on the defensive end. He uses his supreme foot speed, lateral quickness and massive 6-foot-11 wingspan to create havoc on defense. It’s easy to see he loves to pester opponents as well.
Antonio Blakeney probably didn’t even know who Cleveland was before this play. He casually dribbles up the court preparing to initiate the Bulls’ offense, but Cleveland sits in a perfect defensive stance and pounces for the steal. His arms are so long and instead of being overzealous and lunging for the ball, he lets Blakeney bring it right to him for a quick steal and dunk.
In the two games I watched in Santa Cruz, Cleveland had seven steals and countless other deflections. He was everywhere. Defensive awareness — knowing where you are supposed to be, and when to be there — is difficult to teach rookies. The professional game has increased spacing, guys are faster and jump higher, so principles players learn in college have to be reinforced and altered to fit the game. Cleveland already has that aspect of his game down. There will be some tinkering and he’s far from a finished product, but the fundamentals are there.
After a win against the Agua Caliente Clippers, head coach Aaron Miles was downright giddy talking about Cleveland.
“You know, AC man, the good thing about him is that he doesn’t even know how good he can be”, he continued saying, “I don’t even think he has a ceiling to be honest with you.”
“He’s a real good kid. The thing about him is he tries to do everything the right way. It isn’t anything selfishly he’s doing. He’s defending. He’s getting steals and getting run outs. He’s doing it all and he tries hard.”
Even with all this early season praise, nobody expected him to get his NBA opportunity this early. Most of the two-way spots were taken (Minnesota is the only team with an open spot), so the front office people I spoke with around the league, expected him to be here until January when 10-days start.
Thursday afternoon that all changed. Shams Charania reported the Dallas Mavericks would cut Gian Clavell and sign Cleveland to a two-way deal instead.
Rick Carlisle is going to adore this kid from the jump. He’s lengthy, loves to play defense and plays the game the right way.
Almost every player I interview early in the season says one of their goals is to earn a call up or get a shot at the NBA. Again, AC is different.
“I just want to be better than I was when I came in, you know. I want to be two times better and just see the changes in my game. When late May comes I want to be able to honestly say that I got better and worked on my weaknesses.”
Every single year there’s a handful of hidden gems discovered in this league. Last year the Mavericks found Yogi Ferrell. They also have Seth Curry who worked tirelessly in this league to earn his shot.
Antonius Cleveland is the next name fans should familiarize themselves with, because he’s here to stay.
*Video clips used in this piece are from the NBA G League and whodey
