Most of the offseason has been dominated by free agency and trades. However, while some players are negotiating contracts, working to get new teammates acclimated or left in awe over some of the deals, others are upgrading their games.
One of those guys is Cleveland Cavaliers big man Tristan Thompson. Video clips surfaced of the 6-foot-9 center taking part in a summer scrimmage against other players, including former NBA All-Star Joakim Noah. The highlight collage shows Thompson has made great strides in augmenting his arsenal:
https://twitter.com/Ballislife/status/1022511351422283776
In the video, you can see Thompson doing an array of different things. The seven-year pro can be seen running the floor, creating his own shot off the dribble, pulling off improved post moves and knocking down jumpers. It appears the Canadian center is really enhancing his game to have more of an impact on the Cavs.
While it seems crazy to say a guy who put up a career-low 5.8 points and 6.6 rebounds last season could turn into star, it’s important to remember Thompson’s role completely changed when James and Kevin Love arrived in Cleveland in 2014. The big man lost any offensive freedom he had and was expected to just crash the boards.
Before both superstars came to the Cavs that summer, Thompson was having solid seasons, averaging 11.7 points and nearly 10 rebounds the two years preceding that. The fourth overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft was slated to be a star in this league. Although that dream got crushed a couple years, James’ exit leaves the door open for Thompson to pick up his potential again. Heading into his prime years, the 27-year-old has a chance to show the league what his ceiling truly is.
