Hollis Thompson

[Old Man Game]

Hello there, I'm new here but I wanted to sign up to see what everyone thought about the Hollis Thompson signing. I know Thunder fans probably shouldn't expect much out of a kid who was undrafted but I'm somewhat optimistic about his chances to contribute. Draft Express in breaking down the wings prior to this year's draft said this of Thompson:

"-Hollis Thompson looks average overall with a tenth best 0.986 PPP on a near-the-bottom 12.6 possessions per game, but he shines in a few areas, posting the highest scoring efficiency on cuts at 1.481 PPP and doing so on the second highest distribution of 12.9% of possessions. Thompson's 1.298 PPS on jumpers also ranks second overall, and these two things combined may make him a sleeper to catch on as a role player at some point in the NBA.

From DraftExpress.com http://www.draftexpress.com#ixzz20jUHXIpg "

If it's possible this kid has a knack for scoring on cuts to the rim and spot up jumpers that would seem ideal to contribute to the Thunder.

Thoughts? Who does he remind you of on paper? Thanks!

[sonictecture]

In 2002 the Sonics signed Reggie Evans as a non drafted free agent and someone from Iowa had asked what the rest of us thought of him. I wrote something sarcastic about Evans not being thread worthy.

After actually seeing Evans play, he became a favorite because despite a low skill set he would really give you effort and that effort often lead to results. 10 years later Evans is still in the league and usually liked by the fans of whichever team he is playing. i no longer underestimate any potential player or discredit their efforts because they didn't become a superstar.

We're starting to hear a lot of talk about general managers feeling out how to build a team within the new parameters of the CBA and once again Presti is showing how he is thinking four steps ahead.

Hollis Thompson has a very solid chance at a 10 year career in part because he was signed by OKC and they'll give him a chance to grow and find a niche that fits his abilities. At his size, the skill that gives him a chance to stick will be his outside shooting. I think Thompson has been well coached and is another "blender" player that Presti likes from the bench. Depending upon how the offense evolves I don't know if we'll ever see much of Thompson cutting to the basket or using backdoor cuts like he did in the Princeton offense at Georgetown, but you like a guy who can grasp concepts and play within a team game. The interesting part will be to see what Thompson can do defensively.

I think the DX comparison of James Jones is good, Rasual Butler might be another. Thompson will be asked to spread the floor. Although I dislike the stand in the corner approach it's the shot he should be practicing as much as possible.

Thompson is a good candidate for minutes in Tulsa, where I think PJ3 will spend the season in OKC.

[miltk]

at the spot that okc drafts, thompson and jones are steals.

btw,,,why did jones drop???

[Devilanche]

His playing time will probably depends on his defence. So long as he can stay in front of his man and not be a defensive liability i believe he got enough talent to be part of the rotation eventually.

We'll see him in tulsa coming season i guess. With Thabeet.

[miltk]

What's okc's summer league schedule?

[Devilanche]

What's okc's summer league schedule?

played in concluded Orlando SL not playing in Vegas SL.

[Old Man Game]

His playing time will probably depends on his defence. So long as he can stay in front of his man and not be a defensive liability i believe he got enough talent to be part of the rotation eventually.

We'll see him in tulsa coming season i guess. With Thabeet.

Yeah I definitely expect him to spend plenty of time up the turnpike in T-town. That's not bad though for a rookie. Maybe after this season he'll be ready to takeover Cook's designated role as 3 pt gunner just as Cook's contract runs out at the end of this season.

[jambalaya]

I pretty much just know him on paper. He seems like a logical choice but only 1/3 to 1/2 of these kind of dudes make it.

[Bravely Done]

I wouldn't be surprised if Thompson begins absorbing Cook's minutes sometime after the all star break. Do yourself a favor if you haven't already and watch his pre draft workout on YouTube. I understand It's only a workout, but it was one of the most impressive displays of shooting ability I've ever seen from someone coming out of the collegiate ranks. And unlike most shooters, he actually possesses a healthy bit of functional athletcism. He's 6'8 with a 6'10 wingspan, and recorded an impressive 36.5 vert. He doesn't have a great handle, but he can put the ball on the floor, and he can run. He isn't afraid to rebound, and he's a solid passer.

He's an underrated prospect in my opinion, and while I don't expect him to become anything other than a role player, I suspect he'll develop into a very good one.