INDEPENDENCE, Ohio _ After the Cavaliers let Timofey Mozgov walk in free agency, one of the biggest concerns was finding another rim protector. It's what has made Tristan Thompson's emergence this season such a pleasant surprise.
Part of the reason the Cavs pursued Mozgov two years ago was their lack of rim protection. Now in his sixth year, Thompson might be evolving into a shot blocker.
It's still too early to draw any definitive conclusions, but Thompson's 1.8 blocks per game this season are more than double his career average (0.8). He is tied with Dwight Howard for eighth in the league in blocks after he tied for 72nd last season with noted defensive windmill James Harden.
"The last couple of years we just talked to him about being a better rim protector and being in the right spots," coach Tyronn Lue said. "This year, he has come out and done it. Tristan has really found his way defensively and we know he's a great inbound defender, great pick-and-roll defender, great post defender, but now helping on the weak side, getting blocked shots and protecting the basket has been great for us."
Thompson has blocked at least three shots in four of the Cavs' past eight games, after he did that just four times in the Cavs' 103 games last season (regular season and postseason combined).
"I take it personally," Thompson said. "Blocked shots is a big deal for bigs."
Thompson earned his big contract prior to last season based primarily on his defensive work. As much pride as he might take into blocking shots, he's even prouder of his ability to switch onto guards effectively. He has been more active around the paint this season, ranking seventh in the NBA in contested shots (13.1 per game), which is more than noted centers like Steven Adams (12.4) and Rudy Gobert (12.1).
Of his 21 blocks this season, 13 have come against shots by big men and eight from guards or wings.
Thompson hopes to one day receive consideration for his defensive work on All-Defensive teams and would like people to recognize how difficult it is for big men to switch onto guards _ something he does very well.
"I hope they start giving some credit to guys that can guard guards," he said. "I know that's not a stat, but that should definitely count. Hopefully I get some credit and make sure you guys don't forget about me when it's time to put that name on the ballot."
