2. Tristan Thompson, Cleveland Cavaliers
Position: Center
Age: 25 (3/13/1991)
Postseason Slash Line: .429/.000/.605
Postseason Averages: 28.3 MPG, 4.9 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 4.2 ORPG, 0.9 BPG
As those who watched the series remember, but one of the most dominant players of the 2015 NBA Finals was Tristan Thompson. Thompson effectively earned his $82 million contract in that one series, tormenting the Golden State Warriors by dominating the offensive glass.
As the Oklahoma City Thunder proved in the 2016 Western Conference Finals, the Warriors are still susceptible to being overwhelmed on the boards.
Thompson finished the 2015 NBA Finals with averages of 13.0 rebounds and 5.3 offensive boards per game. He boxed out, got physical, chased down long rebounds, and physically overwhelmed Golden State’s smaller or less athletic lineups.
If the Thunder series proves anything, it’s that Thompson will have an opportunity to make that same mark in 2016.
As a team, the Thunder averaged 12.4 offensive rebounds per game during the Western Conference Finals. Five different players recorded at least 12 offensive rebounds during the series, and all three of OKC’s wins were heavily influenced by that effort.
If Thompson—who plays alongside another top-flight offensive rebounder in Kevin Love—can control the glass, he can give the Cavaliers a chance to win this series.
Next: The Reigning and Defending...