Trey Thompkins, Whatever It Takes
Georgia Bulldog junior Trey Thompkins is like a lot of this year’s NBA draft prospects. He has obvious strengths and weaknesses and mock drafts have him going somewhere in the first or second round.
At 6′ 10" and 239 lbs, the 21-year-old Thompkins projects as a power forward in the NBA, but that isn’t the only position some people see him playing at.
"If someone was to draft me to play center, I’ll play center," said Thompkins. "Growing up I have been playing the four and I have always turned to that as my primary position, but if that is what my calling is, then that is what my calling is.
"If someone wants me to try being a three man, I’ll be a three man. I’ll do whatever it takes."
Any possible confusion over which position Thompkins should play is attributable to his high skill level. Good footwork in the post, soft hands, and the ability to knock down shots out the three-point line make him an offensive threat from anywhere on the floor, but Thompkins wants to be known for more than this.
"I want to be known as a player who plays hard the entire game and doesn’t only rely on his talent," said Thompkins.
Thompkins was the Bulldogs’ leading scorer and rebounder at 16.4 points and 7.6 rebounds per game but that was actually a regression from his sophomore season when he averaged 17.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, and shot for a higher percentage.
{AUTHOR_BOX}As someone with only average athleticism who has relied on his talent, even a small step back at the offensive end of the floor is something of a concern. Known as a chubby kid, Thompkins recently tested at 15.5 percent body fat, the highest level of all the draft prospects at the NBA draft combine, but Thompkins assures everyone he is in the best shape of his life and this isn’t a concern.
"I have been doing a lot of athletic work and biometric work," said Thompkins. "So I can be a lot quicker to the ball and get off the floor a lot faster so I can be there for those rebounds. It is definitely something I have been working on.
"I have always had desire. I love the game. I love to do whatever I need to do to be successful in the game but I have to keep going hard as far as athletic things and just making sure that I play hard."
To allay any fears that NBA general managers may have about his game, Thompkins knows what will be required of him at the next level.
"Just making sure that I am playing hard at the defensive end every play. Just making sure I am giving 100 percent for 48 minutes.
"This is something that I have been looking forward to since I have been a kid. I have been working hard this summer trying to get ready and hopefully I have been doing a great job."
It is not easy to project how Thompkins will perform in the NBA. He has similar strengths and weaknesses to Channing Frye but is coming into the league a year younger and with a far more established three-point shot. Thompkins has a more interesting assessment of his game however.
"I can’t really put it on one guy as there are so many good players," said Thompkins. "I see a little Lamar Odom as far as handling the ball. I see David West as far as ability on the block, and I like to say I am a smart player, somewhat like Tim Duncan."
Don’t laugh at Thompkins high opinion of his game as there are grains of truth in his own assessment. Thompkins does enter the draft as a highly skilled offensive player who could dramatically improve his overall conditioning and possibly his effectiveness at both ends of the floor.
In this draft however, Thompkins is just another solid prospect who says he will do whatever it takes to make a NBA roster. It is still up to him to convince a NBA general manager that he is worthy of a first-round pick.
Send me your comments or questions about Trey Thompkins, the NBA draft, the Toronto Raptors, or anything else in the NBA to my weekly NBA chat and check back on Thursday at noon ET for a response.
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