[video=youtube;0qiIgOmzbVU]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qiIgOmzbVU&feature=c4-overview&list=UUmJen5_cQofZXbtzulZj9MQ[/video]
What? They forgot to censor the play where Kyrie passed to him in the 4th quarter...and then again in double OT!
[video=youtube;0qiIgOmzbVU]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qiIgOmzbVU&feature=c4-overview&list=UUmJen5_cQofZXbtzulZj9MQ[/video]
Now if you want to say that his poor handles cause him not to get the most out of his athleticism then you might be on to something.
He seems to have trouble transferring that athleticism fully onto the court. It would be nice for example if he was a better rim protector. Doesn't get a lot of blocks
Tristan Thompson is a center.
A 6'9 center. If he were a few inches taller or a little longer/played longer he would be a REALLY good center prospect
I think you are onto something with the played longer comment. I don't think an extra inch or two would add up to all that much production, but when I look at a guy like Al Horford, being 1" taller with a shorter wingspan and standing reach, I feel like Tristan at least has the physical tools to succeed as a center in this league.
As for your comment regarding Tristan's recent increase in touches, it almost feels like we have been using Bynum to literally show him how it's done.
If Mike had the balls to put Dion on the bench then he also needs to have the balls to put Tristan there also. Unless you find a 7' center with a ridiculous offensive game, starting Tristan will not work. If we plan on keeping him he needs to start getting used to his role and that is an energy bench guy like Andy used to be. You throw Bennett in the fire as a starter and you build the confidence in him to let him know you believe in him as a main cog in our future and see what he can do out their with Kyrie. His defense isn't a huge liability either so that should help Mike with his decision to star AB over TT.
If Mike had the balls to put Dion on the bench then he also needs to have the balls to put Tristan there also. Unless you find a 7' center with a ridiculous offensive game, starting Tristan will not work. If we plan on keeping him he needs to start getting used to his role and that is an energy bench guy like Andy used to be. You throw Bennett in the fire as a starter and you build the confidence in him to let him know you believe in him as a main cog in our future and see what he can do out their with Kyrie. His defense isn't a huge liability either so that should help Mike with his decision to star AB over TT.
"Benching" is not the demotion you are referring to it as. And you have to take the emotion out of the way you assess the team and player roles. Championship organizatiins do that. Dion has shown he could do that and give better production.
I have no fear Tristan won't be able to. I think this is more to do with TT/Rich as its been pretty obvious for some time that Tristans best role would be 3rd big
Bennett is a Tweener. its pretty clear. his best role at some point will be as a true 6thman who can stay on the floor regardless of lineup.
Tristan Thompson is still the best pure PF of his draft class. you guys can start whoever youd like
Im going Irving,Waiters, Karasev,Thompson, and Zeller with AB subbing in as 3/4 .