OKC Thunder trade deadline series: Cavaliers fire sale doesn’t afford many valuable options
Tristan Thompson
Salary:
2018-19 – $17,469,565
2019-20 – $18,539,130
The most valuable commodity Tristan Thompson brings to the court is his years of finals appearances. Although the Canadian has experienced the highest of highs and lowest of lows he remains a great veteran leader.
In a season when he could’ve aligned with J.R. Smith and George Hill who weren’t happy to simply tank Thompson has been nothing short of professional. Thompson is averaging a double-double of 11.5 points and 11.1 rebounds along with 2.1 assists. Although the Cavaliers struggle defensively Thompson is one of the few who registers a positive defensive box contribution (+0.2)
At his best Thompson is one the league’s best defending big men. His ability to move laterally allows him to close out on the perimeter or protect the rim. And, while he vacillates between bouts of disappearing again, at his best he can be a solid rim protector and rebounding.
During the four consecutive Finals runs Thompson was one of LeBron James favorite targets for quick easy buckets and the main target of running pick and roll plays.
Still, his offense lacks much to be desired. Rather, what you get with Thompson is virtually all tied to defense and experience.