Despite not playing for the Boston Celtics yet, Tristan Thompson is already voicing out his concerns, especially with regards to the team's effort in their preseason closer against the Brooklyn Nets.
Per Jay King of The Athletic, the veteran center was reportedly “pissed off” with the way the Celtics approached their dress rehearsal for the 2020-21 season.
Tristan Thompson said he was “pissed off” with how the Celtics came out last night. Wanted to set a different tone at practice today.
— Jay King (@ByJayKing) December 19, 2020
Thompson also spoke about his role with the team, adding that he's looking forward to being a veteran voice in the Celtics' locker room by pushing them to be better.
“We've got these talented young stars on our team. For me, being one of the old heads that have been around the block… The wisdom that I've learned from my past experience, to help give it to these guys, whether it's the good, bad, or the ugly. At the end of the day I want to help this team be the best we can be” the new Celtics big man said in a press conference, via Chris Forsberg of NBC Sports Boston. “I feel like my voice and what I've been through and what I see is going to challenge them.
“And if I can light a fire under their a– to get them going and try to make everyone just 1% better, then I've done my job.”
Despite losing Gordon Hayward in free agency, the Celtics addressed a huge need by adding Thompson into their front court. Boston struggled with their lack of size, especially in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Miami Heat where they lost 4-1. The addition of the lengthy and big-bodied 6-foot-9 Canadian should help them against teams with elite big men.
Tristan Thompson is still just 29, but he has a lot of experience under his belt. Aside from his tough interior presence, motor on the boards, and energy on the court, the Celtics will certainly most value the veteran leadership he brings on and off the floor.
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