Nae'Qwan Tomlin

Tomlin is an American forward who reached the NBA with the Cleveland Cavaliers after a winding journey through junior college, the JUCO ranks, and Division I basketball. His path included a dismissal from Kansas State and a mid-season transfer to Memphis before he finally broke into the professional ranks as an undrafted free agent.

Born on December 19, 2000, in Brooklyn, New York, Tomlin moved to Harlem with his mother at age 10. He attended Urban Assembly High School in New York City but did not make the basketball team due to poor grades. He played at Rucker Park in a prep league and was noticed by Torrell Harris, father of Tobias Harris, who sent him to San Antonio to attend Strength N Motion International, a prep school led by George Gervin.

Tomlin played for Monroe Community College during the 2019-20 season, averaging 13.3 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 3.3 blocks. He then transferred to Chipola College and helped the team to a combined 53-11 record over two seasons. He transferred to Kansas State for the 2022-23 season and helped the Wildcats reach the Elite Eight. However, on December 6, 2023, he was dismissed from the team after an arrest for disorderly conduct. He transferred mid-season to Memphis, where he averaged 14 points and 6 rebounds in 21 games.

After going undrafted in the 2024 NBA draft, Tomlin joined the Cleveland Cavaliers for Summer League. He signed with the Cavaliers on September 24, 2024, but was waived the same day and joined the Cleveland Charge. On February 20, 2025, he signed a 10-day contract with the Cavaliers, followed by a two-way contract on March 2, 2025. On February 10, 2026, the Cavaliers converted his two-way deal to a two-year, $3 million fully guaranteed standard contract.

Tomlin is an athletic forward with length, shot-blocking instincts, and finishing ability around the rim. His game is built on energy, defensive versatility, and transition scoring. Offensively, he scores on dunks, putbacks, and cuts. His late start in organized basketball and rapid physical development give him a unique developmental trajectory, and his defensive tools suggest long-term potential as a rotation forward.