Chicago Bulls‘ head coach Billy Donovan knew right when he laid his eyes on Tristan Thompson back in his recruiting days at the University of Florida that he was going to be something special. Coach Donovan still has regrets about not snagging up the highly touted power forward and Center, but always knew that he would blossom into a terrific professional player. Thompson ended up going to the University of Texas for one season.
Here we are, years later, and Coach Donovan must have been chomping at the bit to get Thompson. This time, he got the young man in a Bulls uniform and couldn’t be happier.
Not much has changed, as Thompson is still that outspoken, ambitious, energetic, talented, and explosive person and player that turned Coach Donovan’s head 15 years ago, and still remains to impress the Bulls coaching staff time after time.
Thompson has had quite a career in the NBA and is a key veteran in this league. Thompson was in Cleveland with the Cavaliers from 2011-2020, the Boston Celtics from 2020-2021, the Sacramento Kings from 2021-2022, and had a short recent stint with the Indiana Pacers in 2022 before becoming a Bull. There is no doubt that this man brings in a ton of experience and leadership to this entire organization.
Thompson is a flat-out hooper. He’s got all the natural ability a team could ask for, and he plays at a relaxed pace every possession. His physical tools make him a threat anywhere in the paint on both ends of the floor. His athleticism fits in spectacularly with this Bulls squad. He has fantastic moves in the lane, with his spin move being one of my favorites. It’s not difficult for him to draw the fouls either. He can simply rack up the and-ones like there’s no tomorrow and with very little effort.
The Chicago Bulls adding Tristan Thompson shows that the best is yet to come for this team
Mr. Thompson is no stranger to being around a team that establishes a winning and championship-caliber atmosphere. In his time spent in Cleveland, he was an integral player in the Cavaliers 2016 championship.
His passing skills for a big man are out of this world as well. He will mold and gel tremendously with this Bulls roster; as he joins this crop of current guys who know how to play, have high basketball IQs, and have severe savvy for the game.
With various injuries that continue to haunt the Bulls, Thompson brightens the tunnel and enlightens the frontcourt a little bit. We need another guy down low who can produce, and he is the answered prayer for us down there.
This is Thompson’s 11th year in the NBA. He is 6-foot-9 and weighs 254 pounds. His career averages are 9.1 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 1.0 APG, and 27.1 MPG. This season, he has appeared in 34 games (3 starts) with the Kings and Pacers and has put up averages of 6.3 PPG and 5.3 RPG in 15.3 MPG.
Thompson is the missing piece to the playoff berth puzzle as the Bulls continue their outstanding season. The Bulls remain first in the Eastern Conference with a 39-21 record. In his debut with the Bulls last night, Thompson came out with a bang and had a night to remember. He scored 11 points, had six rebounds, one assist, and one steal in 13 minutes against the Atlanta Hawks.
In conclusion, the Bulls are setting their goals high and are achieving aspirations with authority. They face the Memphis Grizzlies tomorrow, Feb. 26, at 7:00 p.m. in the United Center. They then take on the Miami Heat Monday, Feb. 28, at 6:30 p.m. in Miami.
Another rematch with the Atlanta Hawks will be on Thursday, March 3, at 6:00 p.m. in Atlanta. The Bulls will then finish off the week with a home game against the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday, March 4, at 6:30 p.m. Come root, holler, and cheer for your very own Bulls this upcoming week!