New Boston Celtics center Tristan Thompson had only ever known one NBA franchise.

The Cleveland Cavaliers selected Thompson with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft. He suffered through some brutal seasons before eventually becoming a vital frontcourt anchor for a team that would make four consecutive NBA Finals appearances between 2015 and 2018.

When LeBron James departed Cleveland to join the Los Angeles Lakers, Thompson was still in Cleveland, morphing himself into a veteran leader for a franchise entering a rebuild.

However, Thompson's Cavs tenure came to an end when he signed with the Celtics last month. While the 29-year-old welcomes the opportunity to once again play for a winner, he said it was still hard to leave Cleveland behind after a nine-year journey:

“I got there when I was 19, we won a championship and got to the mountain top,” Tristan Thompson said, via Keith Smith of Yahoo Sports. “Of course it's tough. It's life. You go through different chapters in life. But I'm excited to be here and to try to get them over the hump.”

Thompson did everything he could to galvanize Cleveland's young roster this past season.

The former Texas star had arguably his best individual season, averaging 12.0 points, 10.1 rebounds and 2.1 assists while also being a mentor for guys like Collin Sexton and navigating a tumultuous period under former head coach John Beilein.

Cleveland previously suggested it had interest in extending Thompson, but the deadline deal for Andre Drummond might him slightly more expendable this offseason.

Thompson will hope to help Boston win a title, but he heads into his first year with the Celtics with appreciation and love for his time with the Cavs.