Cavs coach Atkinson 'all in' on Aussie Proctor

• Cleveland Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson says he's been impressed by Aussie rookie Tyrese Proctor
• Proctor signed a four-year deal with Cleveland after being drafted with the 49th pick in this year's draft
• How to watch every 2025-26 NBA game in Australia

Cleveland Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson has heaped praise on Australian guard Tyrese Proctor as he continues to earn more minutes in his rookie NBA season than most expected.

After an impressive NBA Summer League and preseason, Proctor played 16 minutes in Cleveland's season-opening 119-111 loss to the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden for five points, two assists and one rebound as the Cavs start the season without Darius Garland.

The court time given to the 21-year-old Sydney product exceeded expectations from most, including Cavs beat writer Danny Cunningham, who recently spoke to basketball.com.au.

But before Cleveland's second contest against the Brooklyn Nets, Atkinson said the former Duke Blue Devil impressed him in the performance against the Knicks.

“I’m all in. I love his moxie. He’s got high IQ, obviously he's highly skilled," he said.

"I’ve been surprised about his defence. He’s not just a skill guy. He’s got some real grit defensively, he got in the game (against the Knicks), got right into it off the bat.

"We’ll see more of him tonight.”

The game against the Nets didn't exactly go to plan for Proctor, although the Cavs beat Brooklyn 131-124 for their first victory of the season.

Proctor played 12 minutes, went scoreless shooting 0-from-3 from the field and was a -11 in his time. Although those struggles are expected for a rookie.

Donovan Mitchell starred for Cleveland with 35 points in the win while Cam Thomas had 33 for Brooklyn.

Australian two-way forward for the Cavs, Luke Travers, was a DNP Coach's Decision.