While much of the attention on the upcoming NBA Finals are focused on the big-name stars of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors, some of their role players are quietly entering the series armed with dangerous potential to become game-changers themselves.
One of them is Cavs starting center Tristan Thompson, who’s known to be among the fiercest offensive rebounders in the league, providing his team with inside toughness. His skills have given their previous opponents matchup problems, which led Toronto Raptors head coach Dwane Casey to describe him as a player that can deflate a team.
Upon learning about the comments made about him, the 26-year-old Canadian international said he doesn’t mind being labeled as such. He also added, via ESPN’s Zach Lowe, that he feels honored to be considered demoralizing to opponents.
“I get it. I’m last on the checklist. That’s fine with me,”
“People say I’m demoralizing, huh? Well, I’m honored. I like it,”
Thompson’s numbers this year have been solid, but with the star power his “Big Three” teammates possess, he is often a forgotten man, which only makes it possible for him to contribute with impact plays for the Wine and Gold.
In the finals, Thompson is expected to remain being a pest for the Warriors down low. His ability to stay in front of smaller opponents will also be essential in the Cavaliers’ plan of disrupting Golden State’s high-powered offense.