NBA Finals: Position By Position Preview

Dec 29, 2013; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers power forward Tristan Thompson (13) dribbles the ball in front of Golden State Warriors small forward Harrison Barnes (40) and small forward Draymond Green (23) in the third quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Power Forward: Tristan Thompson VS Draymond Green

The Cleveland Cavaliers went from one of the best “Stretch 4” guys in Kevin Love to Tristan Thompson after Love’s injury against the Celtics. The concern for the Cavs was the dropoff from Love to Thompson as well as the lack of shooting and depth in the front court.

Instead Thompson has exploded on the scene and is set to cash in this off-season after turning down a lucrative extension offer last summer. Thompson still is not a great shooter, the Cavs still have limited depth in the front court and losing Love is still a big deal. During the regular season, Tristan averaged 8.5 points and 8 rebounds a game in 26.8 minutes a game. He is now putting in almost 10 points and rebounds a game, with an astounding 4 offensive boards per game, in 34.3 minutes per game.

Thompson never seems to get tired, plays relentless defense and knows his limitations. He doesn’t take many shots, knowing that the Cavs have better options. His defense stifled Paul Milsap and also gives the Cavs a chance to switch pick and rolls often on defense. Offensively he finished high hand offs, especially from Delly, well and has learned better timing putting the ball back up.

Draymond Green is a do everything, multi-faceted forward. Undersized at the 4, Green provides a little of everything for the Warriors. His raw numbers don’t show the impact he has overall. He can shoot, though his 3 point shooting has plummeted to 26% in the post-season, rebound, pass and defend. In the regular season he led the Warriors with 8.2 rebounds per game, while contributing 11.7 points, 3.7 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.3 blocks.

Many wonder what he might get paid for his overall game this off-season. Will he shine in a bigger role or does Curry and Thompson give him the space to do what he does? He has increased his scoring, rebounds and assists in the post-season. His defense may be key against LeBron but his boxing out of Tristan will be important as well. With his low center of gravity, quick hands and basketball IQ, Green is a stellar defender inside and out.

Advantage- Warriors

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