Over the next couple of weeks we will evaluate the Sixers' roster following the 18-64 season. Up next is Hollis Thompson.
Position: Shooting guard/small forward
Status: Playing on rookie deal. Set to earn $947,276 in 2015-16 with a team option for 2016-17.
Signature game of 2014-15
Thompson shot 8 for 12 with four three-pointers for 23 points in a 105-98 victory over Denver on Feb. 3. He also added three steals, three assists and two blocks in 31 minutes off the bench.
Thompson was about to be sent to the D-League in order to get into better condition after sitting out most of December because of an upper respiratory infection. But when other players were injured or out of the lineup, the Sixers had no other choice than to keep Thompson with the team.
Thompson in 2014-15
What you see is what you get with Thompson. In his second season out of Georgetown, Thompson has been the rare constant with the Sixers. He has been able to survive trades, purges and the seemingly constant roster overhaul with his ability to hit a few shots and play defense.
Thompson is one of four players to suit up for the season opener and make it through the season, and the only player to make it through two straight seasons with the team as an active player. With 148 games over the past two seasons, Thompson is far and away the most active Sixer during the rebuilding phase.
Prospectus
Averaging 7.3 points on 40 percent three-point shooting is enough to keep Thompson around. Add in his rookie contract, his age (24) and consistency, and it would be a surprise not to see Thompson, the elder statesman, with the Sixers for a third season.
NBA
On Hollis Thompson …
“He's the only one that has survived that period of time. To his credit, he's survived a lot of times where he hasn't performed well and he's been sick. He's been in and out (of the starting lineup), and he just doesn't go away.”
--Brett Brown, March 19, 2015
“It's just a blessing to be able to play basketball. So [no matter] what position I'm at and how many minutes I get, I'm just happy to be able to play the game I love to play. I love my team. I love my coaches. So I'm happy.”
-- Thompson, March 19, 2015
“He’s mentally tough. There’s a quiet toughness in him that would surprise people because he’s soft spoken, he’s a gentleman, but there is a competitor in there and a toughness you wouldn’t think.”
-- Brown, Feb 3, 2015