Watch this man: Tristan Thompson is a whole new player

Nine seasons into his NBA career, Tristan Thompson has made himself into an entirely new player, and the most important one on the floor for the Cavs.

In one of the more surprising breakthroughs of the 2019-20 NBA season, Tristan Thompson has become a significant contributor for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Playing in his ninth season, few could have expected Thompson to make such drastic improvement to his game. Thus far, he’s has looked like a brand new player.

In years past, Thompson was known mostly for his hustle. A scrappy rebounder with a never-ending motor, he helped bring energy to the Cavaliers playoff runs and was their best enforcer.

Since his most efficient season in 2015, Thompson’s career had taken a turn for the worst. After earning his five-year $82 million dollar deal, Thompson had a stretch of lackluster seasons. In the 2017-18 season, Thompson averaged a career-low 5.8 points per game. Many assumed that this trend would only become worse once LeBron James made his way to Los Angeles and sparked a Cavs rebuild. Instead, Thompson has stepped up as the veteran leader that the franchise needs.

He has embraced his role and is doing wonders for the Cavaliers both on and off the floor, leading by example and injecting his energy into every game. He wasted no time making a statement this season. Through the first 10 games, Thompson averaged 16.5 points, 11.4 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game on 3-of-6 shooting from the 3-point line and 54.2 percent shooting overall.

This was the best start to a season of his career and he looked like the best player on the roster. He single-handedly helped the team overcome dry spells on offense with his consistent post hook and relentless attack on the glass.

In the Cavaliers most electric win of the season, Thompson racked up 5 game-changing blocks that spurred runs and shifted momentum against the Chicago Bulls.

His touch around the basket has improved immensely while he has expanded his range to beyond the 3-point line. Furthermore, he has become the team’s best defender, averaging a career-high 1.2 blocks per game.

Thompson is currently second in the league for offensive rebounding and 12th in rebounding overall. He is a force on the glass, averaging 3.1 second-chance points per game, the 20th most in the league.

He is still doing the dirty work too. Thompson is utilized heavily within the Cavaliers offense as a screener. His wide frame makes him a great screener, racking up an average of 5.0 screen assists per game for an overall 11.0 points. He is all over the floor for Cleveland. Never giving up on the defensive end, Thompson stands as one of just 27 players in the league to contest 10 or more shots per game.

After his hot start to the season, Thompson and the Cavaliers have hit a minor slump. His scoring has decreased to just 13.2 points over his last five games but he is still averaging a strong 12.4 rebounds.

It’s clear that Thompson is giving his all in every game. Though his production has slowed down as the Cavaliers have lost some of their momentum, there is no doubt he is capable of playing significant minutes for a contender.

Thompson won’t make much noise in Cleveland but he could be a sleeper at the trade deadline. If he finds the right home, Thompson can have a big effect on a team chasing a championship.

The league should be on the watch for where Thompson finishes the season playing. This isn’t the same Thompson that was outrebounded by Stephen Curry in the NBA Finals. He is on a mission to prove himself and he’s making the most of every opportunity.