Cavaliers coach Byron Scott has started easing rookie Tristan Thompson into the backup role behind Anderson Varejao.

Thompson played center at Texas last season and doesn’t mind the idea of trying it in the NBA. With a wingspan of more than 7 feet, Thompson is certainly long enough to handle the position. But at 227 pounds, he’d be giving away at least 30 pounds on most nights.

“First and foremost, I’m a basketball player. I don’t think a label defines a player,” Thompson said. “If you put me on the list with all the other centers, I’m probably the thinnest one. At the same time, I’ll have to use my strength and quickness and bounce. I think that might help me out.”