If a sophomore averaging a double double as well as 4 ast and over 1 blk per game isn't on the sophomore team at the all-star break then something is wrong.
He didn't make it last year and there was some hand-wringingg on the board. Here's last year's team and where Thompson might fit in:
The locks:
Derrick Rose PG: Young star playing well and rightfully belongs
Russell Westbrook PG: Same as above.
Eric Gordon SG: Same as above, though he's got a groin pull.
OJ Mayo SG: Pretty much same story.
Marc Gasol C: Playing tremendous. Definitely deserves to be there.
Brook Lopez C: Same as above.
Greg Oden C: Thompson's numbers are better in total, but its close, and per minute Oden is better.
Thompson's competion:
Michael Beasley PF: Made it last year. Clear edge for Thompson in numbers so far, but Beasley obviously has the name value.
Rudy Fernandez G-F: Made it last year, but easy edge for Thompson in production.
Marreese Speights PF: He's basically been dominant in 23 mpg. He probly deserves it more than Thompson so far.
Anthony Randolph F: Per-minute better than Thompson, but I think Thompson's flat numbers would edge him. Of course Randolph is also an extremely exciting and entertaining talent that would draw interest.
Ryan Anderson F: He's been very good, but he's missed a couple games and his numbers will drop when Rashard returns.
Roy Hibbert C: Also very good, but there's no way they take four centers on a nine man team.
So Thompson's problem when it comes to the rookie team is just that its a deep class and the team only goes nine deep, there's four PG/Combo types, and three centers who are vitrual locks due to production + name value/entertainment. So that leaves two spots for forwards, ideally one PF and one wing.
I'd say Thompson probly won't make it just because it will be tough sledding against Speights production, Beasley's name (and possible improved production), and Randolph's excitement value. Nothing to get too worried about, he's still an excellent player and would be deserving if chosen.
Of course Thompson's numbers could nudge up and other can drop off.
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