Tristan Thompson

[buzzdog]

I like TT because he busted Draymond in the mouth. Did he bust Draymond in the mouth tonight? No? Then fuck'm.

 

[TitleTown]

I really want to understand this better, so please bear with me. Why do some of you guys dislike Thompson? Is is because of his boisterous personality (ex: "We're the reigning Eastern Conference champions")? Or is it because he's not a talented offensive player? Or maybe he looks dumb? Or his relationship problems? Or maybe he's being paid too much ($18 million is a lot per year, has he earned it though?)?

He's not a smart basketball player, but he knows he can't shoot outside 6 feet. He knows he can't pass like Arvydas Sabonis or Nikola Jokic. But he works hard. He has a motor that's almost non-existent with the remaining Cavs players. And he also plays winning basketball.

I could see him rubbing people the wrong way. He's not really any more likable than even Draymond Green, even though they both play hard. It kinda reminds me of Big Z (the Ilgauskas version), in an odd way. There were people who hated having Z on the team, even though he was an all-star in his prime, but he played the right way (compared to Ricky Davis or Darius Miles).

So, can you help a guy out? Is there anything that can persuade the TT haters? If not, I understand. And I can't blame you guys either. It's almost like TT's the elephant in the room. Just like during the All-Star Rookie challenge in 2013...

For me personally, it's a desire to move on, and to watch new and exciting young players.

There's nothing I find exciting or new about TT. Especially since I continue to have to watch him fumble around the court, when players I'd rather see aren't getting developed against NBA talent like they should.

It's really that simple.

 

[Joe Henderson]

Especially since I continue to have to watch him fumble around the court, when players I'd rather see aren't getting developed against NBA talent like they should.

Who's that?

 

[rabman_gold]

For me personally, it's a desire to move on, and to watch new and exciting young players.

There's nothing I find exciting or new about TT. Especially since I continue to have to watch him fumble around the court, when players I'd rather see aren't getting developed against NBA talent like they should.

It's really that simple.

Alright. I'll give you that. Kinda hard to watch a guy from an old regime, since you guys probably want to move on.

I guess TT's kinda boring to watch. Because we already know what he'll do (rebound, play inside), and besides: It's worth more to a team that actually is in the playoff-hunt.

Kinda like how Anderson Varejao played for us after LeBron left. He's a good player for a good team, but certainly not the case for the team in 2011-2014. Even worse for Andy: He couldn't stay healthy. TT sure knows how to stay healthy.

Looking at the squad right now that surrounds him: Some aren't earning any minutes (Zizic) and others have looked crappy (Osman). And others still need more time on the court before going to the next level (Sexton). Until those exciting, promising young guys can bring evolve their game (or until we draft/trade for more of those prospects), we're stuck with him.

At least his attitude/leadership/hard-work around the locker room won't poison the team like it almost did with JR Smith.

 

[inliner311]

Alright. I'll give you that. Kinda hard to watch a guy from an old regime, since you guys probably want to move on.

I guess TT's kinda boring to watch. Because we already know what he'll do (rebound, play inside), and besides: It's worth more to a team that actually is in the playoff-hunt.

Kinda like how Anderson Varejao played for us after LeBron left. He's a good player for a good team, but certainly not the case for the team in 2011-2014. Even worse for Andy: He couldn't stay healthy. TT sure knows how to stay healthy.

Looking at the squad right now that surrounds him: Some aren't earning any minutes (Zizic) and others have looked crappy (Osman). And others still need more time on the court before going to the next level (Sexton). Until those exciting, promising young guys can bring evolve their game (or until we draft/trade for more of those prospects), we're stuck with him.

At least his attitude/leadership/hard-work around the locker room won't poison the team like it almost did with JR Smith.

For me, I'd rather try to sell high on TT than get caught in a situation where the front office will want to offer him an extension. I just don't see us being a good enough team to take advantage of what he does best before he will start to fall off. We have seen what TT is like when he isn't 100% physically and mentally into the game. I also don't think his body is going to last well past 30 with his playing style and size. I also think the game is going to trend to stretch 5s and we have no clue how quickly that will take over the game.

 

[buzzdog]

I got nothing against TT. I have loved his energy on the offensive boards in some key moments during our championship run. I love that he bitch-smacked Draymond. I like that he's being a leader on this rebuilding team.

I don't like his offensive game although it is now as good as it has ever been. Last year he sucked but that was then.

Right now I just see him having as much value as he is ever likely to have. I hope some playoff bound team can use his toughness and rebounding. Sell high.

 

[godfather]

I really want to understand this better, so please bear with me. Why do some of you guys dislike Thompson? Is is because of his boisterous personality (ex: "We're the reigning Eastern Conference champions")? Or is it because he's not a talented offensive player? Or maybe he looks dumb? Or his relationship problems? Or maybe he's being paid too much ($18 million is a lot per year, has he earned it though?)?

He's not a smart basketball player, but he knows he can't shoot outside 6 feet. He knows he can't pass like Arvydas Sabonis or Nikola Jokic. But he works hard. He has a motor that's almost non-existent with the remaining Cavs players. And he also plays winning basketball.

I could see him rubbing people the wrong way. He's not really any more likable than even Draymond Green, even though they both play hard. It kinda reminds me of Big Z (the Ilgauskas version), in an odd way. There were people who hated having Z on the team, even though he was an all-star in his prime, but he played the right way (compared to Ricky Davis or Darius Miles).

So, can you help a guy out? Is there anything that can persuade the TT haters? If not, I understand. And I can't blame you guys either. It's almost like TT's the elephant in the room. Just like during the All-Star Rookie challenge in 2013...

It's where fans think the grass is always greener on the other side. And I'm not some TT lover. I'm more than fine trading him for a right deal.

But this notion he's garbage, or not a very solid player is really underrated, a lot, by fans.

Right now, he's pretty easily our best player. He's still just 27 years old.

So, we shouldn't just be looking to cut ties just to do so.

And this notion he hurts us on offense is nothing more than a myth. Rocking 120 plus ORtg for the last 5 years is not hurting your offense.

Last year he was a MESS, but outside that season, TT has always been solid. He's having his best year yet and has just entered his prime.

I just don't really get, if we end up keeping him how its such a disaster.

Guys, Nance, Zizic, and Henson ARE NOT BETTER THAN HIM. I hope people really understand that by now.

 

[Tornicade]

It's where fans think the grass is always greener on the other side. And I'm not some TT lover. I'm more than fine trading him for a right deal.

But this notion he's garbage, or not a very solid player is really underrated, a lot, by fans.

Right now, he's pretty easily our best player. He's still just 27 years old.

So, we shouldn't just be looking to cut ties just to do so.

And this notion he hurts us on offense is nothing more than a myth. Rocking 120 plus ORtg for the last 5 years is not hurting your offense.

Last year he was a MESS, but outside that season, TT has always been solid. He's having his best year yet and has just entered his prime.

I just don't really get, if we end up keeping him how its such a disaster.

Guys, Nance, Zizic, and Henson ARE NOT BETTER THAN HIM. I hope people really understand that by now.

most importantly how he played in the regular season for a team with title aspirations didn't mean shit.. in the playoffs. TT got back into form and saved the team from a round 1 (which would of been extremely embarrassing) and was a key component in getting us back to the finals.

On a consistent basis TT matches up with the opposing center. his role with LeBron,Irving,Love cavs was to grab the ball and kick it out. Which he did at a high level.

I also think his basketball iq is extremely underrated and was a bit curtailed by the scheme and his role.

btw @TitleTown. More stretch 5's in the league the better for Tristans longevity.

 

[TitleTown]

btw @TitleTown. More stretch 5's in the league the better for Tristans longevity.

I'm always willing to admit when I'm wrong. But there's nothing TT can do this year to prove it.

If we make a quick turn around, become a playoff team in two years, and TT is still here...AND he actually contributes to a good offense...then I'll happily admit I'm wrong.

Until then, his stats mean nothing to me. Sorry.

 

[Mr. MacPhisto]

For me, I'd rather try to sell high on TT than get caught in a situation where the front office will want to offer him an extension. I just don't see us being a good enough team to take advantage of what he doesn't best before he will start to fall off. We have seen what TT is like when he isn't 100% physically and mentally into the game. I also don't think his body is going to last well past 30 with his playing style and size. I also think the game is going to trend to stretch 5s and we have no clue how quickly that will take over the game.

I agree here. The trouble is threading the needle just right. Reality is if Tristan keeps this up he will have good trade value in February but also in the summer. He'll be an ending contract coming off a strong season with the chance to contribute for a playoff caliber team.

The biggest consideration now is his trade value versus his leadership value in mentoring guys. I think some of that will be mitigated over time with Dellavedova returning. Delly can pick up those reins.

Then it becomes value. If someone comes offering something big in February then you've got to take it, but Tristan's leadership and the fact that he will have value in July means that the Cavs can be demanding.

I have no doubt that TT can help a playoff team this year. But any team needs to pay a high price for him if he continues to play as he has. It is a product of where the Cavs are talent wise, but that doesn't matter. TT is putting up great numbers and has proven to be pretty efficient overall. There are a lot of teams that could use 30 minutes of what he can bring every game.

Bu this value as a leader means the Cavs should set the price high, at least during the season. They have no reason to rush a trade in February since he will have value in July. So anyone that wants him then needs to pay a high price.

 

[inliner311]

I agree here. The trouble is threading the needle just right. Reality is if Tristan keeps this up he will have good trade value in February but also in the summer. He'll be an ending contract coming off a strong season with the chance to contribute for a playoff caliber team.

The biggest consideration now is his trade value versus his leadership value in mentoring guys. I think some of that will be mitigated over time with Dellavedova returning. Delly can pick up those reins.

Then it becomes value. If someone comes offering something big in February then you've got to take it, but Tristan's leadership and the fact that he will have value in July means that the Cavs can be demanding.

I have no doubt that TT can help a playoff team this year. But any team needs to pay a high price for him if he continues to play as he has. It is a product of where the Cavs are talent wise, but that doesn't matter. TT is putting up great numbers and has proven to be pretty efficient overall. There are a lot of teams that could use 30 minutes of what he can bring every game.

Bu this value as a leader means the Cavs should set the price high, at least during the season. They have no reason to rush a trade in February since he will have value in July. So anyone that wants him then needs to pay a high price.

The problem is whoever has a high draft pick probably isn't burning it on TT because of the player he is. A playoff team could definitely use him but the 1st round pick will most likely be in the 20s.

I think we need to look for a young player plus draft pick for TT. We probably won't know who will need TT until close to the deadline.

 

[TitleTown]

The problem is whoever has a high draft pick isn't probably burning it on TT because of the player he is. A playoff team could definitely use him but the 1st round pick will most likely be in the 20s.

I think we need to look for a young player plus draft pick for TT. We probably won't know who will need TT until close to the deadline.

Waiting to trade TT, if there's a reasonable offer at the deadline, would be the dumbest thing of all time.

 

[inliner311]

Waiting to trade TT, if there's a reasonable offer at the deadline, would be the dumbest thing of all time.

Agree. If there is a good offer on the table at the deadline we should take it. Waiting till the summer won't give us max value. If some team is in the hunt for the playoffs and they need rebounding, TT will help immediately and they will pay for it.

 

[chuck0609]

If they get a first round offer he’s gone.

But I do think he will be worth more next year when he’s an expiring. There’s more than one team out there that can use him.

 

[Cavatt]

Young big and a pick will do, but that player should be at least look like he has an upside.