2 realistic expectations for Cleveland Cavaliers’ Tristan Thompson signing

Thompson is probably not going to an every game-type of contributor on the floor this coming season. He did not appear in regular season action in the 2022-23 campaign, and bounced around the season prior, in which he played for three NBA teams, as we noted.

Cavaliers fans should not be foreseeing Thompson being in the role he had in recent prior seasons, in which he was starting at the 5 in the second post-LeBron James years. Thompson was a regular in LeBron’s second stint with the Cavs, too, for what it’s worth; he won’t be doing so this coming season, aside from maybe the occasional injury-driven start.

Those caveats aside, Thompson should be able to serve as a mentorship presence, at minimum, for the likes of Evan Mobley and to some degree, still Jarrett Allen. Both of those players should stand to benefit from Thompson’s experience in the league, and with how he has aided his teams over the years with defensive communication, rebounding and interior play.

Furthermore, Thompson’s wealth of playoff experience is something this entire Cavaliers group can learn from, from the key young players, other rotational players and the coaching staff. Thompson went to four straight NBA Finals in those LeBron Return years, and was again, a crucial role player on the Cavs 2016 NBA Championship team.