Cavs news and links for Tuesday, September 10th.
Tristan Thompson has signed a one-year deal to return to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Let’s reflect on the legacy of one of the most decorated role players in franchise history.
The first sip
Looking back at the 2011 NBA Draft, it might sting to realize the Cavs selected TT over future Hall of Famers like Kawhi Leonard, Jimmy Butler and Klay Thompson.
But, if you told Dan Gilbert he’d be drafting a walking double-double who would handle the dirty work during four trips to the NBA Finals and an NBA championship — I don’t think he would be complaining. Thompson was never an All-Star but he filled his role as strongly as anyone else.
We don’t need to remind you about Thompson’s resume. He’d scratch, claw and fight for every available rebound in a sport where winning the possession battle often means winning the game. Thompson’s relentless pursuit of the basketball and seemingly endless motor made him the perfect complementary piece to Cleveland’s big three.
Thomspon’s worth to a winning team is intangible. His hustle is infectious and the morale boost of an offensive rebound leading to second-chance points can’t be overstated. But Thompson’s value as a role player diminished once the Cavaliers fell into the lottery. Those extra possessions don’t mean as much when no one can convert them.
In November of 2020, Thompson ended his tenure with the Cavs by signing a deal with the Boston Celtics. It took three years and a false retirement before Thompson found his way back to Cleveland. Once back in the Land, Thompson picked up right where he left off. He quickly lapped the options ahead of him and became one of the Cavaliers’ most reliable frontcourt options off the bench.
The Cavs haven’t had a glut of backup bigs in recent years. It is actually more of a concern that Thompson was able to leap off the couch and make an impact so quickly. Yet, give credit where it’s due. Thompson was a surprise contributor for the Cavs last season even after serving his 25-game suspension.
Few Cavaliers have been as productive as Thompson throughout his career. He ranks third in rebounds and eighth in games played for the franchise. Sure, he has always had limitations on offense and his defensive peak didn’t last long. But the Cavs could have done a lot worse with the fourth overall pick in 2011.
Random Cavalier of the Day – Kannard Johnson
Born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, Kannard Johnson played four games in the NBA. All of which came in a Cleveland Cavalier uniform.
Johnson was drafted 41st overall in the 1987 draft after averaging 15.0 points and 8.2 rebounds in his senior season with Western Kentucky. He was named to three All-Sun Belt Teams and led his conference in rebounding as a senior.
In his 12 minutes with the Cavaliers, Johnson shot 1-3 from the floor and recorded a steal. That doesn’t sound like much, but it’s more than I’ll ever accomplish on a basketball court.
WNBA games on today
- Minnesota Lynx at Atlanta Dream – 7:30 PM
- New York Liberty at Dallas Wings – 8 PM
- Connecticut Sun at Los Angeles Sparks – 10 PM
NBA links
- NBA coaches and executives with the most to prove
- Predicting every NBA team’s best player in three years
- Which NBA executives have drafted the most stars?