Former Kansas State and Memphis forward Nae'Qwan Tomlin recorded his first career NBA double-double on Sunday night, scoring 24 points and grabbing 12 rebounds in the Cleveland Cavaliers' 126-118 loss to the Indiana Pacers.
Seeing his most extensive action of the season, Tomlin played 47 minutes in the regular-season finale. He shot 8-of-21 from the field, including 2-of-8 from beyond the arc, and added two assists and a block.
Despite the loss, the performance was a significant personal milestone for the 24-year-old forward, who showed flashes of his potential on the professional stage.
Tomlin was a standout during Kansas State’s 2022–23 campaign, helping lead the Wildcats to a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. His time, however, with the program ended prematurely after he was dismissed following an arrest for disorderly conduct tied to a bar altercation.
He later transferred to Memphis, where he played 21 games, averaging 14 points and six rebounds in 26 minutes per contest.
Signed by the Cavaliers on a two-way contract, Tomlin has appeared in five games during the 2024–25 NBA season, starting in one. He’s averaged 7.2 points and 4.2 rebounds in just 12.6 minutes per game, showcasing efficiency in limited playing time.
While Tomlin won’t be part of the Cavs' playoff rotation, his strong finish to the season could help his case for a larger role moving forward. His athleticism and versatility continue to make him a player to watch as he develops at the NBA level.