The Cavs always know what they’re getting from Tristan Thompson

No matter the circumstances, the Cleveland Cavaliers know what they’re getting from Tristan Thompson on a nightly basis.

It’s abundantly clear that Tristan Thompson is the unquestioned leader on the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Seemingly groomed by one of the best leaders in NBA history in LeBron James in that regard, Thompson’s the player, more so than Kevin Love, who wants to be traded according to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst on his podcast, “The Hoop Collective,” it’s again Thompson that’s the primary leader on the Cavaliers.

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Thompson’s performance throughout this 2019-20 season has been one of the career year variety. TT’s on track for career-highs in points (12.9), rebounds (10.5), assists (2.2), steals (0.8) and minutes (31.7) per game, as demonstrated by Basketball Reference.

In a season that’s been a tough one, to say the least, with the latest reported speed bump involving first-year head coach John Beilein accidentally saying Cavs players were “playing like a bunch of thugs,” instead of his intended term, “slugs,” in a film session, Thompson’s performance at the Detroit Pistons on Thursday quite a way to try to normalize things for the squad.

TT, though Detroit big man Andre Drummond definitely got his, had a career-high 35 points on 15-of-20 shooting, to go with 14 rebounds, three assists, three blocks and a steal, as noted by ESPN, in what was a 115-112 overtime (and comeback to get there) win.

Thompson also nailed two monster free throws on Cleveland’s last possession in regulation to bring the game to OT, too.

The way Thompson works and the effort he puts forth game-in and game-out, his unselfishness for so long as a Cav, and with the outstanding screening he provides for pieces such as Collin Sexton, Darius Garland and Cedi Osman, Thompson’s the rock Beilein and company can always rely on.

It’s not exactly breaking news, but virtually every time he trots out for the Wine and Gold, the Cleveland Cavaliers, who are playing so many young pieces and are rebuilding, as evidenced by their 11-27 record, know just what they’re getting from number 13.

Though Thompson’s name will likely pop up more and more in coming weeks leading up to the February 6 trade deadline, given his expiring contract, in particular, I wouldn’t Cleveland if they held onto their leader through the deadline.

Plus, if Thompson comes back this summer, it wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world with how much improvement he’s shown offensively this season and with him having much better touch as a finisher.

Additionally, with Love set to be dealt, one would think, at the latest this summer, Thompson sticking around would seem to be a realistic possibility.

The Cavs love their TT, and with how much he loves this team, Thompson wants to be here for the long haul, too; at least it seems to be that way.

This reception by his teammates for TT after his career night was awesome to see as a Cavs fan, too.

For all he’s given this team for so long and with the contributions he also gave during the team’s 2016 championship run, I’d imagine TT’s number 13 jersey will be in the rafters of Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse some day.

Anyhow, watching Thompson give everything he has for now going on nine years for the Cleveland Cavaliers has been a pleasure.

You know what you’re getting from the dude game-in and game-out.

Congrats on the latest W and career night, TT.

I hope you and Kevin Love, who expressed you both certainly would postgame with Fox Sports Ohio/Cavs sideline reporter Angel Gray, celebrated accordingly after that one.