Analyzing success of Cleveland Cavaliers starting 5

C: Tristan Thompson

No player on the Cleveland Cavaliers has been more impactful than Tristan Thompson.

It was impossible to see this level of improvement coming from a player entering his ninth NBA season. Maybe it’s due to the fact that his contract is ending this season, but something has clearly inspired Thompson.

TT is third on the team in terms of scoring, pouring in a career-best 16.5 points per game. He has been a bully in the paint, forcing his way through defenders and displaying a soft touch on the turn-around hook shot.

There is no matching the energy that Thompson brings to this team. In each game, he has delivered on an electrifying play to spark a run for the Cavaliers. Whether it be a monster sequence of three blocks versus the Chicago Bulls or back-to-back first-half triples against the Philadelphia 76ers, Thompson is giving it his all.

Hauling in 4.8 offensive rebounds a night, Thompson leads the league in this category. His attack on the glass is never-ending, grabbing a career-high 11.4 rebounds per game.

The Cavaliers have elected to run most of their offense through Thompson. He is involved in nearly every action, either setting a screen or directly creating the play himself. He ranks sixth in the league for screen-and-roll possessions per game and is third in screen assists.

The root of the Cavaliers’ success can be traced directly back to Thompson. Almost everything the team has done correctly this season has had something to do with the 2016 NBA Champion.

While Thompson’s performance has certainly moved him into trade consideration, the Cavaliers have no reason to break up the chemistry they are forming with the starting lineup. Expect TT to be on the Cavaliers for at least the remainder of the season.