With a re-shaped roster, Tristan Thompson remains the favourite to start at power forward for the Cleveland Cavaliers.
“As of right now, I’d have to give him the edge,” Cavaliers head coach Byron Scott told the Akron-Beacon Journal on Wednesday.
Thompson, 21, has added 10-15 pounds of muscle over the off-season and his work ethic has reportedly impressed the coaching staff.
The fourth overall pick from the 2011 NBA Entry Draft has placed an emphasis on adding a mid-range jump shot to his arsenal over the summer.
The Brampton, Ont., native is competing with Samardo Samuels and Jon Leuer for playing time.
He started 25 games last season but will return to his natural position (power forward) after spending significant time at centre last season.
Thompson averaged 8.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game in 60 games with the Cavs in his rookie season.
