NBA Finals: Comparing These Cavs to the ’07 Version

May 22, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson (13) reacts during the third quarter in game two of the Eastern Conference Finals of the NBA Playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Starting Power Forward

Drew Gooden was a player that fans liked even though his bone head plays often caused problems. He was a focused rebounder and on the ball defender but fell asleep as a help defender and got bored when not involved with an offensive play. He averaged 11.1 points and 8.5 rebounds a game during the season and was similarly consistent in the post season with 11.4 PPG and 8 rebounds. His air headed nature was not a positive and his inconsistent motor was frustrating.

Tristan Thompson is the opposite of Gooden in those last two struggles. Double T is always involved, always making smart plays and his motor is always on high. Thompson took over for the injured Kevin Love and has played excellent. If Love were still on the team, Thompson would compare to what Varejao gave the ’07 Cavs, just a better version. He still compares well here but Love’s injury hurts the depth. TT put up 8.5 points and 8 rebounds as a bench player  for most of the regular season. In the playoffs those numbers have risen to 9.4 PPG and 9.9 rebounds.

Advantage: Thompson. Tristan is the heart of the Cavs and plays an important role on both ends of the floor. Gooden was helpful but didn’t know his limits the way TT does. Thompson rarely tries to do too much on the offensive end and is always engaged defensively.

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