2017 NBA Finals: Power ranking every player on the Warriors and Cavs

12 of 19

May 21, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jae Crowder (99) defends Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson (13) during the second half in game three of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

8. Tristan Thompson

When he’s healthy, there isn’t a player on either roster that will be able to handle him on the boards. And that’s really a huge advantage for the Cleveland Cavaliers, and one that they must exploit in order for them to be successful.

Thompson is going to light up the scoreboard on any night, but his offensive rebounding could be the difference in any game. Thompson is a better defender that he gets credit for, and isn’t the liability on the offensive end that he often gets labeled as.

If the Cavs win this series, Thompson will be a big reason why. And he could be Cleveland’s ultimate weapon when the Warriors inevitably go small.

Home/NBA News