Seems to me there's a need to never give the Cavs credit for anything positive, but it really doesn't matter.
I've just now joined in on this conversation.
I'm pointing out some flawed logic in one of your two examples.
Sure, it is unfair to criticize all the failed development projects by the Cavaliers without pointing out the successes. I just think you'd be better served not including Thompson as a success.
That athleticism from a young big is what made Thompson get drafted at #4. He had a raw offensive game, but hustled on the glass out of college.
Today, entering his 7th NBA season, he is the exact same player that came out of Texas. Raw offensive game, hits the glass.
No development of an offensive game to speak of. None. Zilch.
Sure, some people aren't born to develop a jump shot. To this day, I don't think he knows if he's left or right handed for basketball purposes. And that's not a compliment.
But even without a jump shot, he has had minimal development of a post game.
So no, Tristan Thompson has not developed. We knew his floor coming out of college with hopes they could reach some ceiling.
I think it's safe to say at this point that he stayed at his floor and didn't go an ounce above it.