Built Ford Tough Posted January 7, 2013 Report Share Posted January 7, 2013 In his last 10 games he is averaging 13 ppg, 12.5 rpg (4.9 offensive boards) and 1.1 bpg on 51 FG% and, perhaps most importantly of all, 70% from the FT line on 4.4 attempts a game, which has his TS% up to a much more respectable 56% (opposed to 48% the first 25 games of the year). He has had 7 double doubles in this stretch and 8 10+ rebounding games. For references sake, the first 25 games he averaged 8.2 ppg, 7.6 rpg (3.2 offensive boards) and 0.6 bpg and 56% from the line (on just 2.6 attempts a game). He had a total of 5 double doubes in these games. I know he will never be an all-star or every live up the the billing of being a 4th overall pick (albeit in a weak draft) but what I think Thompson is proving to be a very good hustle big. If he ever improves his hands (he fumbles a lot of passes and misses a fair amount of gimmes underneath as well) I can see him being a 15-11-1.5-2 type of big. I have serious doubts about his long term offensive potential (although with how good he is on the offensive glass he will likely get around 6 points a night off that alone), but I really like him as a high energy, defensive big who cleans up the glass. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cleveland's Finest Posted January 7, 2013 Report Share Posted January 7, 2013 His numbers were expected to rise after Andy went down, but he's gone above those expectations. He's stepped up his game and I think playing with Anderson has shown him the value of hustling out there. He's mostly fixed his problem of getting blocked too much down low. Defensively, he really needs to work on blocking shots. He's got great leaping ability, and that's where the most potential may be. If he could average two a game, that'd be awesome. I really like his game, and while many fans have given up on him and considered him a bust, people need to realize how weak that draft was and not expect an all-star performer less than two years in. Some guys take time to develop. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YugoRocketsFan Posted January 7, 2013 Report Share Posted January 7, 2013 He's only 21, plenty of potential left, he could be a 20/10 player by the time hes 28 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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