Nae’Qwan Tomlin’s story is one of resilience, determination, and late-blooming talent. Tomlin is making headlines as a promising forward for the Cleveland Cavaliers, having taken a path to the NBA that’s as unique as his skill set. From playing street basketball in Harlem to starring in college and finally earning his spot in the NBA, Tomlin’s journey is a testament to hard work and belief in oneself.
Nae’Qwan Tomlin’s Biography
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Nae’Qwan Tomlin |
| Date of Birth | December 10, 2000 |
| Age | 24 |
| Education | Monroe Community College, Chipola College, Kansas State, Memphis |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m) |
| Weight | 210 lbs (95 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2024 |
| Net Worth | $200,000 (estimated) |
| Salary/Career Earnings | $66,503 (NBA 2024-25) |
| Wife/Husband | N/A |
| Instagram Profile | N/A |
| Twitter Profile | N/A |
Early Career
Nae’Qwan Tomlin’s early basketball career is a story of late discovery and rapid growth. Born in Harlem, New York, on December 10, 2000, Tomlin attended Urban Assembly School in New York City. Unlike most future NBA players, he did not play organized basketball in high school.
Instead, he spent his teenage years playing casual games with friends in his neighborhood. It wasn’t until after high school that Tomlin experienced a significant growth spurt, shooting up to 6-foot-10, which caught the attention of coaches and opened the door to college basketball opportunities.
Tomlin’s first step into organized basketball came at Monroe Community College in Rochester, New York. He redshirted his initial season, using the time to develop his skills and adjust to the structure of college basketball.
In his first full season on the court, Tomlin made an immediate impact, nearly averaging a double-double with 13.3 points and 8.8 rebounds per game. His athleticism and raw talent stood out, and he quickly became a key player for Monroe CC.
After one season at Monroe, Tomlin transferred to Chipola College in Florida, a program known for its competitive basketball culture. Over two seasons at Chipola, he continued to develop his game and became one of the top junior college forwards in the country. In his second season, Tomlin averaged 13.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game.
He led the Chipola Indians to a 30-6 record and a trip to the semifinals of the NJCAA National Tournament, earning NJCAA Honorable Mention All-American honors in 2022. During his time at Chipola, Tomlin scored more than 1,000 points in his junior college career, shooting 54.2 percent from the field and adding 508 rebounds and 123 blocked shots in 79 career games.
Professional Career
Nae’Qwan Tomlin’s professional basketball journey began in 2024 after he went undrafted in the NBA Draft. Despite not hearing his name called on draft night, Tomlin’s determination did not waver. Shortly after the draft, he signed a contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers on September 23, 2024, but was placed on waivers the following day. This early setback did not deter him; instead, it motivated him to prove his worth on the court.
Tomlin joined the Cleveland Charge, the Cavaliers’ NBA G League affiliate, for the 2024-25 season. In the G League, he quickly established himself as a versatile and productive forward. Over 37 games, Tomlin averaged 15.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game, shooting an impressive 66.3% on two-point field goals and 35.9% from three-point range.
His athleticism, defensive instincts, and ability to contribute on both ends of the court made him a standout performer in the league. Tomlin’s strong play in the G League did not go unnoticed by the Cavaliers’ front office and coaching staff.
His efforts were rewarded when, on February 20, 2025, Tomlin signed a contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers. This marked his official entry into the NBA. He made his NBA debut soon after, appearing in five games for the Cavaliers during the 2024-25 season.
In limited minutes, Tomlin averaged 7.2 points and 4.2 rebounds per game, with a field goal percentage of 40.6%. He also contributed defensively, using his length and quickness to disrupt opponents. Although his role was primarily off the bench, Tomlin made the most of his opportunities, showing flashes of potential that hinted at a promising future.
Nae’Qwan Tomlin’s Net Worth Details
Nae’Qwan Tomlin’s net worth is estimated to be $200,000 as of 2025.
Contract
Nae’Qwan Tomlin is currently signed to a two-way contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers as of March 2025. This type of contract allows him to split his playing time between the NBA team and their G League affiliate, the Cleveland Charge.
Under the two-way agreement, Tomlin can spend up to 50 games with the Cavaliers during the NBA season, while earning a salary that is higher than a standard G League contract but less than a full NBA deal.
The contract gives Tomlin the opportunity to develop his skills at the professional level and potentially earn a standard NBA roster spot if he continues to impress the coaching staff and management.
Salary
For the 2024-25 season, Nae’Qwan Tomlin’s salary under his two-way contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers is approximately $204,840. This amount is standard for NBA two-way players and reflects the time he spends with both the Cavaliers and their G League affiliate, the Cleveland Charge.
While this salary is less than what full-time NBA players earn, it is a significant step up from a typical G League contract and provides Tomlin with financial stability as he works to secure a permanent spot on the Cavaliers’ main roster in the future.
Career Earnings
| Year | Team | Status | Cash Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | Cleveland Cavaliers | Two-way | $204,840 |
| 2025-26 | Cleveland Cavaliers | Two-way (proj) | $636,434 |
| Total | $841,274 |
NBA Career Stats
| Season | Team | GP | GS | MIN | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | FG% | 3P% | FT% | OFF | DEF | TRB | TOV | PF |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | Cavaliers | 5 | 1 | 12.7 | 7.2 | 4.2 | 0.4 | 0.0 | 0.2 | .406 | .200 | .727 | 1.8 | 2.4 | 4.2 | 0.4 | 1.8 |
FAQs
1. Who is Nae’Qwan Tomlin?
Nae’Qwan Tomlin is an American professional basketball player born on December 10, 2000, in Harlem, New York. He plays as a power forward for the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA and is also associated with the Cleveland Charge in the NBA G League on a two-way contract.
2. What is Nae’Qwan Tomlin’s height and weight?
Nae’Qwan Tomlin is listed at 6 feet 10 inches tall and weighs 210 pounds. His height and athleticism have contributed to his versatility as a forward on the basketball court.
3. Which colleges did Nae’Qwan Tomlin attend and play basketball for?
Nae’Qwan Tomlin played college basketball for Monroe Community College, Chipola College, Kansas State University, and the University of Memphis. He transferred multiple times during his collegiate career, gaining experience at each stop.
4. What were Nae’Qwan Tomlin’s achievements during his college basketball career?
During his college career, Tomlin was named an NJCAA Honorable Mention All-American, earned the Big 12 Newcomer of the Week award, and was selected for the AAC Player of the Week. He also participated in the Jayson Tatum Elite Camp and the NBA G League Elite Camp.
5. How did Nae’Qwan Tomlin perform statistically at Memphis?
At Memphis, Tomlin played 21 games with 11 starts, averaging 14 points and 6 rebounds per game. He became a key contributor, ranking second on the team in rebounds and providing solid scoring and defensive presence.
6. What was Nae’Qwan Tomlin’s role at Kansas State?
At Kansas State, Tomlin started 34 out of 36 games during his junior season. He averaged 10.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game, helping the team advance to the Elite Eight in the 2023 NCAA Tournament.
7. Did Nae’Qwan Tomlin play basketball in high school?
Tomlin attended Urban Assembly School in New York City but did not play organized basketball while in high school. He began his basketball journey at the college level, making his rise to the NBA notable.
8. Was Nae’Qwan Tomlin drafted into the NBA?
Nae’Qwan Tomlin went undrafted in the 2024 NBA Draft but later signed a two-way contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers, allowing him to split time between the NBA and the G League.
9. What position does Nae’Qwan Tomlin play?
Nae’Qwan Tomlin primarily plays as a power forward. His size and skill set allow him to contribute both offensively and defensively, often guarding multiple positions.
10. Has Nae’Qwan Tomlin faced any challenges during his basketball career?
Tomlin faced a significant challenge when he was dismissed from Kansas State in December 2023 following a suspension related to an arrest for disorderly conduct. He overcame this setback by transferring to Memphis, where he continued his basketball career and performed well.
