Celtics newcomer Tristan Thompson is putting in some individual work but still not practicing with the team, though coach Brad Stevens expects Thompson to be ready for the season-opener.
Or as Stevens put it, the Celtics will “have him ramped up for the start of the season” against Milwaukee on Dec. 23.
Stevens told the media over the weekend that Thompson is expected to miss a significant portion of training camp with a strained hamstring.
But Stevens knows what the Celtics are getting once the always-energetic center finally does take the court.
“He’s such a threat at the rim. … He’s a tremendous offensive rebounder,” Stevens said. “I hope that our wings, with all of the attention that they draw, that will open up opportunities for him as well.”
Until signing a two-year deal with the Celtics this offseason, Thompson had spent his entire nine-year career with the Cavaliers. That included his time as the starting center on the 2016 championship squad.
He showed no signs of slowing down last year, averaging 12.0 points and 10.1 rebounds in 57 games. He had plenty of suitors in free agency, but decided the Celtics were the best match.
“What really attracted me to the Celtics is how young and how talented they are,” he said. “I think this was the best decision for me and my career, to join a team that’s trying to do something special.”
Thompson likely will start the season coming off the bench behind returning starter Daniel Theis. But things could change as the season goes on. Just as was the case with the LeBron James-led Cavs, Thompson is likely to see plenty of action late in games, when the outcomes are still in the balance.
“The grit and toughness that I developed playing for a city like Cleveland will forever be instilled in me,” Thompson tweeted. “To the city of Boston! To say it’s an honor to wear the green and white is an understatement! I can’t wait to get to work!”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rw4ER-bGK-A&feature=youtu.be
