NBA Draft Preview (Part 8)

   With the 2011 NBA Draft only one day away, it is time to do the last part of my player analysis feature. For the second day in a row, we will be looking at a player from the Big 12; in this part it is Tristan Thompson.

   Thompson is a 6'9, 227lb power forward from Brampton, Ontario, Canada. He played at the University of Texas (UT) for one year before entering this draft and averaged 13 points and 8 rebounds last season. Projected as one of the best forwards in this class, Thompson was named while at UT by the Associated Press as an All American Honorable Mention. He was also part of the All-Big 12 Second Team, the Big 12 All-Rookie Team and was named the Big 12 Freshman of the Year.

   Strengths: Great offensive post-player. He is extremely effective inside the paint with his variety of hook-shots, drop-steps, and fade-a-ways, defenders do not know what to expect when guarding him. Like Marcus Morris, when he catches the ball facing the basket, that first quick step he has allows him to beat defenders and attack the basket with ease. Thompson catches the ball very well which makes him more dangerous. Can be described as a "Human Highlight Reel" with his monster slams and killer finishes to alley-oops. Fights for position down-low and also is very good at not only getting offensive rebounds, but putting them up very quickly to avoid blocks. Runs the floor very well for a forward and gets easy buckets that way. On defense, Thompson is an electrifying shot blocker, and with one big block he can completely change a game.

 Weakness: Cannot shoot outside the paint, needs to work on his jumper. Would be much more of a threat if he had a mid-range jumper. His free throw shooting is terrible, does not even shot 50 percent. Very inconsistent from game to game, could show up one game, and not show up the next, needs to be more dependable and consistent in his performances.

Overall Conclusion: Thompson is a solid low-post player who would be a great addition for many teams. Has a variety ways to score, and can even attack the basket. Never gives up on the boards, which increases his productivity. Great shot-blocker. Thompson is a "flashy like" player and would be a lot of fun to watch. I could see him in top five of this class if he had a fluent mid-range jump- shot and was a better free throw shooter.

 Tristan Thompson will go??? Thompson would be a great fit for the Charlotte Bobcats at #9. The team has one solid forward, Tyrus Thomas, so adding Thompson would definitely increase the depth at the forward position. The Bobcats also lack flash and because of the way Thompson plays, he would take care of that with ease.

  Be sure to read tomorrow for my projection on lottery picks (#1-#13) for the 2011 NBA Draft!