Time For Tristan Thompson to Shine With Cleveland Cavaliers
By Shane Phillips
@ShaneRantSports
Getty Images
It has been a bit of a bummer Christmas for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Before LeBron James‘ long anticipated return to South Beach kicked off, it was announced the big man Anderson Varejao will miss the reminder of the NBAseason with a torn Achilles’ tendon. The bad news was followed by a warm welcome and smack down by the Miami Heat. Dwyane Wade played with a chip on his shoulder and with the help of Luol Deng, was able to pull off the holiday victory. Other than the warm weather, Cleveland was able to salvage their Christmas vacation in Florida with a win over the Orlando Magic, 98-89.
On a night where Kyrie Irving remained on the sidelines, Kevin Love and James combined for 51 points. However, my attention is drawn to Tristan Thompson, who is now “Mr. Money in the Bank”. The young big man had nine points and 13 rebounds against the Magic and is averaging 8.7 PTS and 7.1 REB on the season. Making over $5 million this year and a qualifying offer of over $7 million come this summer, Anderson’s injury has given Thompson a gift.
Thompson is guaranteed to see more playing time and that should equal more production. Athletic, long and not afraid of the basketball, Thompson has the potential to be a powerful big man in this league. Alongside James, he could become the next Varejao and must take full advantage of playing alongside one of the best players in the game. More importantly, if Thompson can put together a very strong season, he could see big dollar signs come the summer of 2015. I expect the Cavaliers to try and pick up another post player either through free agency or a trade, but Thompson’s number will go up and he will be a key part of Cleveland’s ultimate goal of a title.
Shane Phillips is an NBA Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow Shane on Twitter @ShaneRantSports, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google. You can also email Shane at [email protected].
5 Early-Season Trade Targets for the Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets need to change directions fast. See who could be replacing players like Kenneth Faried and Wilson Chandler. Read More
Wizards Are In Championship Talk After Houston Win
The Washington Wizards have battled through the trenches and are the second-favorite behind Chicago to come out in the East. Read More
Miami Heat: Danny Granger Making Impact
The Miami Heat fell 102-101 to the Orlando Magic tonight, but Danny Granger hit six three-pointers and is starting to live up to his potential as a bench scorer. Read More
Price Has Been Pleasant Surprise For Lakers
Ronnie Price has added toughness and effort to a struggling Los Angeles Lakers team. Read More
LeBron James Must Make Biggest Leap of the Big 3
To be a consistent team, LeBron James needs to make improvements outside the stat sheet. Read More
Similarities Between Cleveland and Miami’s Big 3s
Mapping out the five similarities between the growing pains of the Big Threes in Miami and Cleveland. Read More
Cavaliers Have a Kevin Love Problem
The new-look Cleveland Cavaliers have lacked the relentless offense many expected, and the front office may need to consider moving on from Kevin Love to become a true contender. Read More
Mitch Kupchak Seeks Value In Tarik Black
Mitch Kupchak is looking toward the future. Find out how Tarik Black may fit in. Read More
Tanking Not An Option For the Heat
Although the Miami Heat have had a rought start to the post-LeBron era, Erik Spoelstra and Pat Riley should still behave in win-now mode in the short term with an eye to 2016. Read More
2014-15 NBA Power Rankings, Week 9 Edition
Here are my NBA power rankings after Week 9 of the 2014-15 season. Read More
Clippers' Blake Griffin Needs To Return To Paint
Blake Griffin has improved his outside game, but it isn't improving his team. Read More
LeBron Needs to Lose His Pathetic "Chill Mode"
LeBron James admitted he was in "chill mode" on the court this weekend, something which is both concerning and, quite honestly, embarrassing. Read More