Tristan Thompson

“Whoever's in the game has got to be ready to play, take the scout serious and understand what we're doing. If you don't know what to do, ask questions.”

“I know I can block shots and I've got to do it. That's part of my job as a big.”

“The one bad thing sometimes when you switch 1 through 5, guys think it's easier and they relax. You have to be just as aggressive. If we're going to switch 1 through 5 we got to meet that point of entry at the ball and be physical.”

“I don't really pay attention to the guy I outwork for the rebound, it's really just hearing the crowd just be like, 'Ohhhhh.' They just get frustrated. That's a good feeling.”

“I think you have to be physical no matter who you're playing against, so that's just something that I have to do.”

“I'm a team-first guy.”

“In the postseason, every possession counts, so it's the little things.”

“You have to get better every year. You have to add tools to the toolbox every year.”

“We all have our motivations in life and for me, it's my kids. They push me every day and keep me going. It gives me that extra motivation that I need.”

“What I really lick my chops for is when you get the offensive rebounds at the end of the third quarter, fourth quarter. That really just sucks the life out of the opponent. You can see it in their face, especially when you're on the road, it just takes the whole energy out of the arena. That's what I live for.”

“If you don't fight you don't give yourself a chance.”

“This is the NBA. Everyone can score points.”

“Obviously, Steve Nash making the NBA and becoming a two-time MVP gave us the hope that if we work hard, we might have a chance to just be in the NBA. Seeing his success gave us hope.”

“I try to attack the glass, get rebounds and create possessions for my teammates because that's what I'm here to do. But if they face guard or put two or three guys on me I'm going to keep going to the glass and keep being relentless.”

“You can talk all you want but I'm definitely going to bark back.”

“Coming off the bench, I'm able to view the game, see how their bigs are playing. And what I bring to the table is energy. The starters go in and run their bigs for a bit. When I check in it's time to punch the clock and play hard.”

“In the draft you always have a special bond and connection, especially if you have one that goes right after you, so it's kind of always, I guess everybody thinks you're competing.”

“I started playing basketball at such a late age.”

“Our goal is to play into late June and don't take the process for granted.”

“Obviously, everyone wants to play in the NBA but I think if you handle what's in front of you first you'll get your chance when your name is called.”