‘He’s a dog, ’ Rookie Meleek Thomas was the star of Cavs Media Day

"That kid's a dog," said Donovan Mitchell . "He is who he thinks he is — he reminds me of myself."

That's a glowing endorsement from the franchise superstar. Mitchell has never shied away from supporting younger prospects. He took Jaylon Tyson under his wing last season, for instance. But going this far out on a limb to rave about a rookie is something special even for Mitchell.

That might be because Thomas is the type of rookie who makes a good first impression.