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The Cleveland Cavaliers drafted Meleek Thomas on Wednesday night, adding a talented guard to their ranks behind superstars James Harden and Donovan Mitchell.
They didn't wait long after the draft to add another one: Xaivian Lee.
Lee is signing as an undrafted free agent after a fascinating college career, one that presents at least some evidence that he could be a useful NBA players.
He's coming on an Exhibit 10 deal, which means he likely will stay with the Cavs in the G League ranks if he doesn't make the NBA roster.
NEWS: Florida’s Xaivian Lee has agreed to an Exhibit-10 contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers, sources tell DraftExpress.
The speedy 6’3+ Canadian lead guard was 1st Team All-Ivy League at Princeton before transferring to Florida and leading the Gators in assists. pic.twitter.com/lfTTiM9kZx
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Lee began his college career with three seasons at Princeton. By the second and third years, he was one of the best players in the Ivy League.
He averaged 17.1 points per game in 2023-24, then 16.9 per game in 2024-25. That last Princeton season, he also averaged 6.1 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game.
Lee moved on to Florida for his final college season, putting up 11.6 points, 4.2 assists and 1.2 steals per game.
His main negative is that he only shot 32.0% from 3-point range in his college career.
So can he make the Cavs?
He'll likely have to work through the G League ranks first. The Cavs have enough veterans in the backcourt, and Lee has to improve his shooting.
But if the 6-foot-3 guard starts making outside shots, and keeps improving his playmaking, maybe he can help down the road when the veteran guards move on.
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