Texas Basketball: A look at the alumni for the 19/20 NBA season
By Shane Black
Cory Joseph (SAC)
2018/19 stats: 82 GP, 6.5 PPG, 3.9 APG, 3.4 RPG, 1.1 SPG
After two seasons with the Indiana Pacers Cory Joseph signed a 3-year/$37 million contract with the Sacramento Kings this offseason. Joseph has the ability to play next to or in place of budding star De’Aaron Fox, and will provide solid veteran guidance for the third-year point guard. Joseph has never been known as a good scorer but instead earns his money with tenacious defense and high IQ basketball.
Joseph has never averaged more than 1.4 turnovers per game and always seems to make the right pass. He will be a good compliment piece in a young Sacramento locker room.
Tristan Thompson (CLE)
2018/19 stats: 43 GP, 10.9 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 2.0 APG
Tristan Thompson dealt with a nagging foot injury that held him out of 39 games last season, though, his Cleveland Cavaliers were not playing for much. Thompson is in the final year of a five-year deal and may very well be traded at some point this season. Thompson provides a niche role as a pick-and-roll specialist as well as a strong rebounder.
Thompson has played just a total of 96 games over the past two seasons which is a cause for concern, but I expect him to find his way to a contending team via a trade.