Too Many Off The Court Distractions

The first rule for any NBA players should be to stay away from any reality TV star especially if their last name is Kardashian. Before that large contract, Thompson was just another tall guy playing in the NBA. But when he hit center stage, and the lights around him started to shine brighter, so did the issues.

It was never about him and his former girlfriend getting pregnant. That happens and is expected, but when the news broke that he was leaving her for Khole, Thompson became more than just a member of the Cavaliers. He was now thrust into the type of spotlight that could derail one’s career.

And to be honest, he hasn’t been the same since. Then, towards the end of the season, the walls came crashing down as he was spotted out with another female while his pregnant girlfriend (Khole) was set to give birth,

Cheating happens everywhere, but with tons of cameras following his every move, it was made to be bigger than a normal trust. As his popularity with TMZ increased, his popularity with Lue decreased. During the NBA Finals, Thompson lost his cool with Draymond Green by shoving the ball in his face.

Then this offseason, there was a rumored altercation between Thomspon and Green at an event. He has lost his focus on the game. With no LeBron to take away some of the media pressure, Thompson could end up being a significant distraction.

What happens if the Cleveland Cavaliers began to struggle and the sulking starts to set in? Is Tristan Thompson mature enough to handle the role of leader?