Tristan Thompson and his short stint with the Indiana Pacers

The Indiana Pacers acquired Tristan Thompson in the blockbuster trade that sent two-time All-Star Domantas Sabonis to the Sacramento Kings. The Pacers got Tyrese Haliburton, Buddy Hield… and Tristan Thompson in return.

Tristan Thompson didn’t stay with the Indiana Pacers for long, but he did see the court in his time with the team.

Thompson and Jeremy Lamb were seemingly throw-ins to the trade and the Pacers never thought Tristan would be here long term. He played four games with the team before being bought out and moving to Chicago.

The Pacers went 1-3 in the four games he played in. Those losses against the Cavaliers, Timberwolves, and Bucks. Losing wasn’t tough for the Pacers this season.

Thompson averaged 7.3 points and 4.5 rebounds a game over that four-game span.

He shot 54% from the field and never took a three-point shot. In the game against the Timberwolves, he scored just one point in 15 minutes of play.

In his first three games, he scored a total of 12 points that would each result in a loss. However, he had one solid game with the team where he helped the Pacers get an unwanted win.

Against the Washington Wizards, he would score 17 points and 6 rebounds while converting 8 of his 9 shot attempts. How about this pass from Lance Stephenson to find Thompson wide open?

Thompson had different energy this game after seeing a few go in and he was in rhythm on offense. He also had a blocked shot in this contest while playing the most minutes in his stint with the team at just over 20.

This would be Thompson’s final game in Indiana before the buyout.

"Indy, thank you for everything! I really appreciate all the love and energy I received from everyone from the organization and the fan base. I always admired the Pacers franchise and have had some amazing playoff battles. Even though my time was short, I appreciated every minute of it. Even though I’m gone, my two brothers will do some great things and make this organization and city proud. Love these two guys. Will always be watching them and cheering them on. Till next time Indy. Thank you 🙏🏾"

It is cool to see Thompson share kind words about the city and the franchise, maybe it will draw big free agent names to Gainbridge. I can hope.

Thompson played in 23 more games for the Bulls this season, notching just five games with ten or more points in that time. He would not score more than 13 points for the rest of the season.

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