News ArticlePublishedJul 11, 2026 at 03:04 PM EDTMeleek Thomas didn't leave Las Vegas with a win, but he walked off the floor looking like someone who already understands the game in the NBA.The Cleveland Cavaliers rookie turned in one of the more polished guard performances of opening day despite his team's 99-93 loss to the Indiana Pacers. Thomas, the No. 34 overall pick after one season at Arkansas, never looked rattled, so matter what happened.That wisdom stood out almost immediately.During the matchup, he stayed under control, let the game unfold and consistently made smart decisions with the ball in his hands. There wasn't any unnecessary rushing or forcing the action just because it was Summer League and everyone was watching and wanting to see fireworks.More sports news: Clippers’