INDEPENDENCE, Ohio (AP) — With the second of their two lottery choices, the Cleveland Cavaliers selected Texas forward Tristan Thompson with the No. 4 pick in the NBA draft.
The selection of the 6-foot-8 Thompson was a bit of a surprise. The Cavaliers were reportedly interested in Lithuania center Jonas Valanciunas, but they may have been turned off by his uncertain contract situation with a pro club in his home country.
Thompson, who is from Toronto, only played one year with the Longhorns, averaging 13.1 points and 7.6 rebounds.
As expected, the Cavaliers took Duke point guard Kyrie Irving first overall.
Thompson’s selection could also mean the Cavs have interest in trading power forward J.J. Hickson.
