2011 NBA Draft Scouting Report: Tristan Thompson

Written by Paul Banks of the Washington Times, and David Kay of the The Sports Bank.
Send Paul an e-mail here: paulb05 AT hotmail DOT com.
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2011 NBA Draft Scouting Report: Tristan Thompson

Position: Power Forward

Size: 6-8, 230

School: Texas, Freshman

Strengths:

Effective turnaround jumper over either shoulder

Good back to the basket game

Establishing position on the block

Handles the ball well for a player his size

Can use power dribble to get to the basket

Leaping ability

Runs the floor well

Works hard on the glass

Getting a body on a body for box outs

Length helps him as a rebounder and shot blocker

Great help defender

Holds his ground while defending the post against bigger opponents

High motor

Weaknesses:

Handling double teams on the block

Needs quicker footwork in the post

Mid-range game

Line drive free throw shooter

A bit undersized for a NBA power forward

Summary: Tristan Thompson is hoping to capitalize off some of the top prospects in college basketball returning to school. Because guys like Harrison Barnes, Jared Sullinger and Perry Jones did not declare for the 2011 NBA Draft, Thompson could end up being a late-lottery prospect even though he may not be ready to contribute major minutes right away.

Player Comparison: Taj Gibson. Similar in size, Gibson and Thompson bring some of the same intangibles to the floor. Both guys crash the boards, are effective shot blockers, and have nice back-to-the-basket games. Gibson has found a role on the Bulls being an energy guy off the bench, and Thompson will have to follow suit early in his NBA career. Thompson does have more potential than Gibson and will have to work on his jump shot if he wants to maximize his ability.

RELATED LINKS:

2011 NBA Mock Draft

2012 NBA Mock Draft

2011 NBA Draft Prospect Rankings

2011 NBA Draft Scouting Reports

Written by Paul Banks of the Washington Times, and David Kay of the The Sports Bank.
Send Paul an e-mail here: paulb05 AT hotmail DOT com.
All other e-mail, including advertising and link proposals, send to: [email protected]

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