Bricklayer
Don't Make Me Use The Bat
Name: Tristan Thompson
Position: PF
Age: 20
Hgt: 6'9"
Wgt: 227
College/Country: Texas
Class: Freshman
10-11 Stats: 30.9min 13.1pts (.546 .000 .487) 7.8reb 1.3ast 0.9stl 2.4blk 1.8TO
Projected Draft Position: #9-#16
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-- Courtesy of KF Scout hrdboild
Position: PF
Age: 20
Hgt: 6'9"
Wgt: 227
College/Country: Texas
Class: Freshman
10-11 Stats: 30.9min 13.1pts (.546 .000 .487) 7.8reb 1.3ast 0.9stl 2.4blk 1.8TO
Projected Draft Position: #9-#16
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kingfans Scouting Report:
I didn't see Thompson play a lot this year, but he is a prospect I like quite a bit so I'll take a crack at it:
The Big 12 freshman of the year at Texas, Tristan Thompson surprised a lot of people by entering his name in the draft this year. He performed at a high level as a freshman with 13.1 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game while starting in 36 of Texas' 38 games (he came off the bench for only the first two games of the season). He seemed poised for a Derrick Williams like Sophmore breakout next year, but instead we'll have to see if he can build on his potential in the NBA.
Looking at what kind of player Tristan Thompson will be, you have to start with his defense. Texas was one of the best defensive teams in college basketball this year and Thompson played a big part in that. He's a bit undersized for a power forward at just under 6'9" in shoes, but he does have a long wingspan to compensate and he holds position well in the post. Keith Benson was one of the better bigmen in the country this year and Thompson shut him down in their tournament matchup, despite giving up 2 inches in height. He's at his best as a post defender where he played a lot stronger than he looks, but he can also come away from the basket and contest on the perimeter as well. His defensive fundamentals really shine here as he keeps his hands up without reaching in and slides his feet to seal off the lane. He also runs the floor very well and he's often the first guy back on fast break defense which is impressive for a guy his size.
On the offensive end, Thompson had less of an impact. Although he did finish the season as Texas' second leading scorer, he scores most of his points off of quick cuts to the basket for dunks or putbacks. When Texas did get him the ball in the post he had trouble finishing over defenders, often rushing his shots or getting them partially blocked. In the games I watched he didn't attempt a shot outside of 10 feet which isn't that surprising when you look at his abysmal sub 50% percentage on free throws. His jump shot is going to need a lot of work if he's going to make it as a PF in the NBA. The good news is that his form looks decent so the confidence that comes with a lot of repetitions might improve his shot substantially.
Aside from his poor shooting, he also didn't impress me as a rebounder. His long arms and jumping ability help him to gather a lot of offensive boards but he's not going to have the same height advantage in the NBA. He's not as good of a defensive rebounder as he could be because he frequently goes for the shotblock and gives up rebounding position. Overall he was inconsistent about boxing out and establishing position for rebounds, instead relying on his height and length and that'll have to improve at the next level.
I think his athleticism and defensive instincts make him a good bet to continue to impact the game defensively wherever he goes. He showed flashes of a developing offensive repertoire with hook shots from each hand and a lefty turnaround jumper, but they didn't fall for him in the games I saw. He also had a couple of nice takes to the basket off the dribble which he did make, but they were few and far between. So he's got a lot of potential, more than most of the guys who will be picked in the mid to late lottery. He's flown under the radar so far, but he could be a steal for somebody.
I didn't see Thompson play a lot this year, but he is a prospect I like quite a bit so I'll take a crack at it:
The Big 12 freshman of the year at Texas, Tristan Thompson surprised a lot of people by entering his name in the draft this year. He performed at a high level as a freshman with 13.1 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game while starting in 36 of Texas' 38 games (he came off the bench for only the first two games of the season). He seemed poised for a Derrick Williams like Sophmore breakout next year, but instead we'll have to see if he can build on his potential in the NBA.
Looking at what kind of player Tristan Thompson will be, you have to start with his defense. Texas was one of the best defensive teams in college basketball this year and Thompson played a big part in that. He's a bit undersized for a power forward at just under 6'9" in shoes, but he does have a long wingspan to compensate and he holds position well in the post. Keith Benson was one of the better bigmen in the country this year and Thompson shut him down in their tournament matchup, despite giving up 2 inches in height. He's at his best as a post defender where he played a lot stronger than he looks, but he can also come away from the basket and contest on the perimeter as well. His defensive fundamentals really shine here as he keeps his hands up without reaching in and slides his feet to seal off the lane. He also runs the floor very well and he's often the first guy back on fast break defense which is impressive for a guy his size.
On the offensive end, Thompson had less of an impact. Although he did finish the season as Texas' second leading scorer, he scores most of his points off of quick cuts to the basket for dunks or putbacks. When Texas did get him the ball in the post he had trouble finishing over defenders, often rushing his shots or getting them partially blocked. In the games I watched he didn't attempt a shot outside of 10 feet which isn't that surprising when you look at his abysmal sub 50% percentage on free throws. His jump shot is going to need a lot of work if he's going to make it as a PF in the NBA. The good news is that his form looks decent so the confidence that comes with a lot of repetitions might improve his shot substantially.
Aside from his poor shooting, he also didn't impress me as a rebounder. His long arms and jumping ability help him to gather a lot of offensive boards but he's not going to have the same height advantage in the NBA. He's not as good of a defensive rebounder as he could be because he frequently goes for the shotblock and gives up rebounding position. Overall he was inconsistent about boxing out and establishing position for rebounds, instead relying on his height and length and that'll have to improve at the next level.
I think his athleticism and defensive instincts make him a good bet to continue to impact the game defensively wherever he goes. He showed flashes of a developing offensive repertoire with hook shots from each hand and a lefty turnaround jumper, but they didn't fall for him in the games I saw. He also had a couple of nice takes to the basket off the dribble which he did make, but they were few and far between. So he's got a lot of potential, more than most of the guys who will be picked in the mid to late lottery. He's flown under the radar so far, but he could be a steal for somebody.
-- Courtesy of KF Scout hrdboild
Last edited by a moderator:
