his unorthodox path to the NBA<\/a>. He didn\u2019t play organized basketball until enrolling at Monroe Community College. He then attended three other schools throughout his collegiate career before ending up with the Charge last season.<\/p>\nThis weird road stands out in a league where many players receive specialized training before they reach even middle school.<\/p>\n
This ultimately led to Tomlin developing a well-rounded skillset based on his strengths. He was never pigeonholed into stereotypical roles for forwards of his size. Instead, he just developed standard basketball skills from simply playing the game. That path has allowed him to be the scorer he is today.<\/p>\n
At the same time, Tomlin hasn\u2019t been put in many positions where he had to develop an off-ball game like he will need to if he\u2019s going to be an NBA rotation player. The Charge needed anyone who could create for themselves off the dribble, given their inconsistent guard play. This allowed Tomlin to thrive and be comfortable in his game. He simply won\u2019t be able to play that way at the next level.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s difficult for anyone to make the jump from the G League to the NBA. It\u2019s especially difficult if you have to drastically change how you play to do so.<\/p>\n
For example, Sam Merrill\u2019s role between the Cavs and Charge didn\u2019t change that much since being an off-ball, movement shooter translates well to the next level. He had to learn how to pick his spots and play with his new teammates, but what he did best was a seamless fit. Merrill\u2019s primary role didn\u2019t change. Just his usage and playing time varied.<\/p>\n
Conversely, what Tomlin does best won\u2019t be as seamless a fit. He won\u2019t be asked to create for himself if he\u2019s on the floor with guys like Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, or Evan Mobley. In those contexts, he\u2019ll likely be used as a second-side scorer who quickly attacks a shifting defense or spaces the floor. Additionally, generating your own looks in the NBA is considerably more difficult than doing so in the G League. It\u2019s why good isolation G League scorers typically don\u2019t become rotation NBA players.<\/p>\n
Tomlin can, however, break that stereotype. He theoretically has the tools to be a good off-ball player. We just don\u2019t know if he can adjust and best utilize them in that context yet.<\/p>\n
On top of that, there are concerns about whether his rebounding and defense can hold up in the NBA. Is he strong enough to get contested rebounds against similarly sized players? Is he quick enough to stay on the perimeter with some of the more dynamic fours? Can he defend the post if he\u2019s switched onto a bruising center?<\/p>\n
These are all questions that Tomlin will need to answer this upcoming season if he\u2019s going to make the jump into being an NBA player on a standard deal.<\/p>\n
Tomlin showed last year that he has the skills and work ethic to make the leap from being a fringe G-League player to having his own NBA locker. The leap he needs to make this season will be just as difficult. Most players on two-way contracts never end up being viable rotation players. At the same time, most don\u2019t have the size and skillset Tomlin does, either. We\u2019ll see if he can make the most of that this season.<\/p>\n
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