Tristan Thompson is expected to resume his role as the Cavaliers’ third center.
Thompson and the Cavaliers have agreed to a one-year contract at the veteran minimum, a story revealed by ESPN’s Adrian WojnarowskiThat gives the Cavaliers 14 players on the roster, plus three two-way players, and that’s likely what they’ll carry into the season.
Thompson served as the Cavaliers’ “emergency icebreaker” last season, playing 49 games and providing the team with some physicality when needed. The 12-year veteran brings maturity and professionalism, above all else – he’s a well-respected player in the locker room who mentors the Cavaliers’ youngsters. He also has what every new Cavaliers star wants: a ring.
Cleveland returns to the same starting front line as in recent years, Jarrett Allen And Evan Mobley. While that duo has been one of the best frontcourts in the league, solid defensively, they’ve never quite hit it off on offense. Cleveland is counting on new coach Kenny Atkinson to get the two to mesh well while helping Mobley take a leap forward on offense rather than just showing flashes. Cleveland is making the same bet with Atkinson and the back end of Garland of Darius And Donovan Mitchellthat greater mobility in attack can help them thrive.
The Cavaliers have been the No. 4 seed in the East for two straight years, but for all the talent, the sum has never been greater than the individual players. Atkinson is tasked with changing that, and it will be an interesting test of how much of a difference a coach can make in the NBA.
You can bet Atkinson will lean on Thompson for leadership in the locker room.
