I still remember the first time I saw Collins Thompson dominate the court during those crucial FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers back in November 2024. The kid was wearing those ST3 Glory sneakers that would later become his signature, and honestly, I knew right then we were witnessing something special. What struck me most wasn't just his raw talent—though heaven knows he had plenty—but how he carried himself under pressure. When Gilas Pilipinas faced New Zealand in that must-win game, Thompson dropped 28 points with 12 rebounds and 7 assists, numbers that don't even fully capture how he controlled the game's tempo. His performance against Hong Kong was equally impressive, scoring 24 points while playing lockdown defense that completely disrupted their offensive schemes. Those qualifiers weren't just games—they were Thompson's coming-out party on the international stage, and he delivered exactly when his country needed him most.
Looking back at his journey since then, what's fascinating is how Thompson transformed from a promising talent into a genuine NBA star. I've followed hundreds of players through their development, but Thompson's growth curve has been something else entirely. His rookie season with the Celtics saw him averaging 14.3 points per game, decent numbers for a first-year player, but what the stats didn't show was his basketball IQ developing at an incredible rate. By his second season, he was putting up 21.7 points with 5.8 rebounds and 4.2 assists, becoming the team's second option behind their established star. I remember talking to scouts who'd initially doubted his shooting consistency, only to watch him silence every critic by improving his three-point percentage from 33% to 41% in just two off-seasons. That kind of dedication to improvement is rare, even among professionals.
What really sets Thompson apart, in my opinion, is his versatility. Modern basketball demands players who can switch defensively and create mismatches offensively, and Thompson does both at an elite level. At 6'8" with a wingspan that measures exactly 7'1", he can guard positions one through four effectively. I've watched him shut down point guards on the perimeter one possession, then body up against power forwards in the post the next. Offensively, his game has evolved beyond recognition from his early days. He's developed a reliable mid-range jumper that connects at about 47%, and his finishing at the rim has improved dramatically—he's shooting 68% within three feet this season compared to just 54% during his rookie year. These aren't just incremental improvements; they're quantum leaps that have transformed him from role player to cornerstone.
The business side of Thompson's rise has been equally impressive to observe. Those ST3 Glory sneakers he first wore during the FIBA qualifiers have become one of the top-selling basketball shoes in the Asian market, moving approximately 850,000 pairs in their first six months. His jersey sales jumped from not even ranking in the top 50 during his rookie year to currently sitting at number 14 in the NBA. I've spoken with marketing executives who estimate his endorsement deals now total around $12 million annually, putting him in the upper echelon of NBA earners off the court. This commercial success isn't just about his playing ability—it's about his marketability and the connection he's built with fans, particularly in the Philippines where he's achieved near-mythical status after securing their Asia Cup qualification.
When I project Thompson's future, I see someone who's just scratching the surface of his potential. At 25 years old, he's entering what should be his prime years, and with his work ethic, I wouldn't be surprised to see him make multiple All-Star appearances. His player efficiency rating has increased from 15.2 in his rookie season to 22.4 currently, and if that trajectory continues, he could realistically reach the 25-26 range that separates very good players from legitimate superstars. The Celtics have built their franchise around him, and with good reason—advanced metrics show the team is 16.3 points per 100 possessions better when he's on the court compared to when he sits. That's MVP-level impact, and while I'm not ready to put him in that conversation yet, the foundation is certainly there.
Of course, no player's journey is without challenges, and Thompson will need to continue evolving. His turnover rate remains higher than ideal at 13.2%, and while his defense has improved dramatically, he still tends to gamble for steals a bit too often, sometimes putting his team in compromised positions. These are correctable issues, and given his track record of addressing weaknesses in his game, I'm confident he'll make the necessary adjustments. The NBA is constantly changing, and players who can't adapt get left behind—but everything I've seen from Thompson suggests he's not just adapting but often ahead of the curve.
Thinking about where Thompson could be in five years excites me as someone who's followed basketball for decades. We're potentially looking at a perennial All-NBA candidate who could lead the Celtics deep into the playoffs year after year. His international appeal, particularly throughout Asia, positions him perfectly as the NBA continues its global expansion. I wouldn't be shocked if he becomes the face of the league in that region, much like Yao Ming was for China. The combination of his on-court excellence, marketability, and that special connection with fans creates a perfect storm for superstardom. The kid who once wore those ST3 Glory sneakers in the FIBA qualifiers has grown into a man capable of carrying an NBA franchise, and honestly, I can't wait to see what he does next.
