BimboColesHair
Hall-of-Famer
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Hopefully we get some option years in this contract so it can be easier to move.
Of course you do...
Hopefully we get some option years in this contract so it can be easier to move.
Monster? TT is pretty much the definition of an average rebounder. His raw numbers are high because of minutes played and just generally standing around the basket, but his rebound rate was 16.3% last year, which puts him at 31 out of 64 for F-C who played at least 300 minutes last year. League average rebounding, when that is your best skill, is not worth $11-12m.
He also can't block shots, lacks an elite defensive presence, fails to efficiently put the ball in the basket, and is nowhere near tenacious on the defensive glass.TT averaged more offensive rebounds, at his natural PF position, per game, in less minutes then:
Monroe
Love
Ibaka
Griffin
Milsap
All players that primarily play at the 4 for most minutes in a game...all players that are considered "elite" rebounders.
The only player to average more then him, in the ENTIRE NBA, at the 4 was Randolph at a mere .01 rebounds more per game. Not sure what "raw stats" you're looking at but I throw those out of the window when considering that most of TT's offensive rebounds results in points or him getting to the line.
He also can't block shots, lacks an elite defensive presence, fails to efficiently put the ball in the basket, and is nowhere near tenacious on the defensive glass.
All of the aforementioned players do at least one of those things.
Thompson is energy off the bench. Nothing more, nothing less. You don't pay him starter money because he's pretty good at offensive rebounding.
Of course you do...
Don't get me wrong, he's improved his game, I just haven't seen enough of it yet.That's almost exactly what people used to say about Andy, and yet, he managed to change game momentum despite the stats suggesting that shouldn't be possible.
TT team-focused attitude and work ethic mean that his value goes beyond his stats. He's the anti-JJ Hickson/Drew Gooden. HIs attitude and work-ethic make him a well-liked teammate, and bleeds over to other people on the team. Some guys who were drafted as high as he was might resist/complain if moved to the bench. TT's a 4th overall pick who has just been told he's doing to the bench, and there's not a hint of complaint. He just gets that what matters is how much he can contribute to winning games in whatever role he is given.
You've also got to consider his consistent improvement. He's demonstrated an admirable desire to focus on developing those skills that the team needs the most. Coming into the league, he was told he had to improve his FT%, so he focused on that improved it. Then it was inability to score, so he went so far as to switch shooting hands and work like hell at improving that. This year, he saw the Cavs trade for a guy who took his starting PF spot. Rather than sulk, he saw how the team was built, realized his role would have to be playing more center, so he focused on adding strength to play the pivot.
Sure, there are better big men, but they'll make more than TT will if they're available at all. If we can snag a high-quality starting center, then great. Maybe we don't re-sign him and just let him walk. But I have a feeling he's the kind of guy you won't know how much you'll miss until he's gone.
Don't get me wrong, he's improved his game, I just haven't seen enough of it yet.
This isn't to say he can't get there - he's 23. I'd like to see him prove me wrong. I just don't see a reason to pay him Faried money (who also got overpaid, IMO). who is a much more complete player at this point.
You've also got to consider his consistent improvement. He's demonstrated an admirable desire to focus on developing those skills that the team needs the most. Coming into the league, he was told he had to improve his FT%, so he focused on that improved it. Then it was inability to score, so he went so far as to switch shooting hands and work like hell at improving that. This year, he saw the Cavs trade for a guy who took his starting PF spot. Rather than sulk, he saw how the team was built, realized his role would have to be playing more center, so he focused on adding strength to play the pivot.
Did anyone else think Windhorst took a dig at Dan? The JV part was not necessary except to make it look like Gilbert is meddling and passed on Jonas in my opinion.
Thompson also enjoys a positive relationship with team owner Dan Gilbert, who advocated taking him in the draft three years ago when the Cavs were deciding between him and Jonas Valanciunas with the fourth overall pick. Gilbert has taken a more expansive role in personnel moves alongside general manager David Griffin since last season.
http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/1...aliers-extension-talks-tristan-thompson-stall
I just don't think to can look at his rebounding like that. Rate isn't affected by who you pay with? Pretty sure his rate has worsened since Andy has been healthier even though TT has clearly improved. Setting him strip rebounds from David West among 4 Pacers is good enough enough for me.
I think saying he isn't a good rebounder makes a person look foolish but keep coming with the stats.
I gotta say, not as foolish as relying on a single play and then concluding "that's good enough for me."