Hollis Thompson poised for a big 2014-15 season

Check out the original article from Philly.com, here.
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Don't be shocked to hear Hollis Thompson's name mentioned among the most improved players this season.

With a roster ripe with youth and inexperience, and lacking an established offensive option, it seems safe to say that the Sixers will struggle to score at times this season.

As a team, the Sixers ranked 19^th in the league last season, scoring an average of 99.5 points per game. Much of that production however was a result of the pace with which the team played. The Sixers attempted 87.2 field goals per game last season, second-most in the league behind only the Minnesota Timberwolves, who attempted 87.5 per game. A slightly slower pace this year, which Brett Brown has hinted at this offseason, would lead to less field goal attempts and in turn, less offensive output.

Add in the fact that the Sixers voluntarily lost three of their top scorers from last season – Hawes, Turner, and Young all averaged double-figure points per game, without replacing them, and it becomes easy to see how the scoring struggles will start.

In the absence of established options comes opportunity however, and one player that is poised for a big season for the Sixers is second-year swingman and former Georgetown Hoya, Hollis Thompson.

Thompson really started to step into his own throughout the second half of last season when he took over a starting spot and saw his minutes, and his role expand. His point production and three-point percentage improved in the starting spot, and he recorded a career-high 18 points against the Nets in a contest in April. 

Image from Philly.com

He continued this momentum in Summer League, where his play propelled the Sixers summer squad to an OPSL title. He displayed developed defense and driving, in addition to his already-solid shooting. With wing minutes aplenty available in the Sixers’ rotation, Thompson is eager for the opportunity to show Philadelphia, and the league at large, just what he can do.

“I’m just excited man,” he stated at Sixers media day. “I’m very excited going into the season.”

Considering the opportunity in front of him, he has good reason to be excited.

Although the Sixers may scale back from last season’s league-leading breakneck pace, they will still aim to have one of the league’s most ample offenses. Just as last season’s style provided enhanced opportunity, and statistical inflation for some (looking at you, Evan Turner), and with a potential full-season gig as a starter, Thompson will be a beneficiary. Without a long-term contract, Thompson will be out to prove that he has a future with the Philadelphia franchise, or in the league, at least.

Thompson shot a rookie-best 40% from three-point range last season, and if he is able to add a drive to his game like he hinted at in the summer, he will be able to constantly keep defenders on their heels. Though he averaged only six points per game last year, expect that number to jump this season with his increased confidence and experience. More minutes and a starting spot to start the season will help too. He has a great opportunity to double his offensive output from last season.

Thompson plays both sides of the ball however, and part of what makes him such a promising prospect is his ability on the defensive side of the ball. At 6’8’’ Thompson is long and athletic, and he has the ability to guard both perimeter positions. He is not afraid to get all up on and pressure the ball-handler, making things tough for the opposing offense.

Thompson’s dedication to defense stems from Brett Brown’s emphasis on that end of the ball.

“Coach made it pretty clear from day one that if I wanted to play it was going to be through defense,” he stated. “So, if I don’t play defense I’m not going to play, so I’m going to play defense.”

Along with rookie K.J. McDaniels, and new addition Luc Mbah a Moute, Thompson will be tasked with guarding some of the world’s best players throughout the course of the Sixers’ 82-game schedule.

While that sounds like a daunting duty, for the undrafted forward from California each game provides an opportunity.