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Tristan Thompson could be odd man out in Cavs center rotation

By Doug Patrick

CLEVELAND, OH - APRIL 11: Tristan Thompson
CLEVELAND, OH - APRIL 11: Tristan Thompson /
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CLEVELAND, OH – APRIL 11: Michael Beasley #8 of the New York Knicks handles the ball against Tristan Thompson #13 of the Cleveland Cavaliers on April 11, 2018 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – APRIL 11: Michael Beasley #8 of the New York Knicks handles the ball against Tristan Thompson #13 of the Cleveland Cavaliers on April 11, 2018 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images) /

What could happen to Tristan Thompson’s spot in the lineup…

Thompson will be the starting center for next year’s Cavs—he’s still the best, most proven option and a good fit with Kevin Love. This does not mean that he shouldn’t be looking over his shoulder to see if Nance is coming, though.

If Nance adds to his game while maintaining what he already does well, he may crack the team’s regular starting lineup—likely at the four with Love playing center.

Thompson would then be forced to share bench minutes with Zizic. If Thompson has a season like last year’s while Zizic shows flashes, the second-year man could get the nod in more meaningful games.

If Frye proves ineffective, which is very possible, there’s a chance Nance is relied on to be that rangier option when Love sits. This would likely make for a sad and desperate season unless Nance answered the call. If he did, a Thompson, Love, Nance lineup could be deadly on the glass and a possible counter to small-ball lineups.

The thing that’s interesting about Thompson’s future on the Cavs is that much of it hinges on the development of the guys behind him. At 27-years-old, Thompson should continue performing at his current level for around three-to-five more years.

But he will probably not add anything new to his game, he’ll either just be better or worse at the things he’s always done.

Thompson’s strengths may become less useful in the evolving NBA. Both Nance and Zizic have a broader range of skills than Thompson and resemble more of what a modern big is.

light. Must Read. Does Kevin Love's extension destine Cavs for basketball purgatory?

Three years ago, Thompson was seen as an X-factor in winning a championship over the Warriors. Now, just as he’s entering his prime, he has two developing big men chasing him for his spot.