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The Cleveland Cavaliers have claimed rookie forward Tyler Cook off of waivers. The 6’9” Iowa alum was cut by the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday after scoring just two points in nine total minutes throughout preseason.
Cook will remain on a two-way contract for the Cavaliers, giving them their second two-way player under contract. Rookie forward Dean Wade is Cleveland’s other two way player, and both will primary play for the Canton Charge in the G-League.
The news was first reported by Kelsey Russo of the Athletic:
Cavs claimed Tyler Cook off of waivers after he was waived by Denver, sources told @TheAthleticNBA . He will remain on his two-way deal, which will be the second one for the Cavs.
— Kelsey Russo (@kelseyyrusso) October 18, 2019
In his third season at Iowa, Cook lead the team with 14.5 points and 7.6 rebounds per game. However it was his least efficient season at Iowa, posting a 54.7 true shooting percentage. Cook went undrafted in the 2019 NBA Draft.
Cook is an active big man off-ball that can handle the ball well for his size. He doesn’t appear to be a strong defensive player and is fairly limited in his range. In all likelihood, he’ll play power forward for the Charge and will be around in case the Cavs need an extra body and perhaps matter a year from now.