This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2015, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Athleticism isn't Sam Thompson's issue.

Indeed, the Ohio State small forward is one of the highlight reel dunkers of college basketball. Off the dribble, off the lob, off the fastbreak, Thompson's ability to get off the ground has long been talked about.

If Thompson wants to find a place in the NBA, it won't be as an athlete. It will be as an athlete who can space the floor, defend and make shots from the perimeter.

Thompson's mission in the next month - he worked out for the Utah Jazz on Monday morning - is to prove he can make the needed shots in order to keep defenses honest. It's a long and arduous process for Thompson, in advance of the NBA Draft later this month. But it's something he has to go through.

"I thought the work out went well," Thompson said. "Right now, I think I'm a top-level defender, I can guard multiple positions, and I just have to continue to make strides on my jumper."

Thompson, who played with projected top-5 pick D'Angelo Russell at Ohio State, said he's been putting in countless hours of work on his shot since the college basketball season ended.

At the NBA level, he has value. As has been noted, he's a plus athlete and a plus defender. So if he can add that consistent jumper, he could have the opportunity to make himself a 3-and-D kind of prospect.

Jazz VP of Player Personnel Walt Perrin said Thompson suffered an injury during Monday's workout. While it wasn't enough of an injury to force Thompson to the sideline, it did affect his shooting, which Perrin said has been a concern among scouts coming into the process and remains one.

Still, guys with Thompson's athleticism aren't a dime a dozen. That and his ability to defend, create turnovers and finish in transition are all skills that translate to the wide open style of the NBA.

For that alone, Thompson has a chance. At the same time, his jumper over the next three weeks could hold a big key to his professional future.

Tony Jones