Still a few days ago Tristan Thompson was one of the few players in the NBA to be at least 9 years with the franchise where he started his career. This is no longer the case since he decided to leave Cleveland, direction Boston. Obviously, it’s not easy to leave your long-standing team.
“I got there when I was 19, we won a title and we got to the top of the mountain. Of course it is difficult to leave. But that’s life. You go through several chapters in life. It’s a big chapter that is closing. However I’m excited to be here and to try to help them get past the obstacle. ” Thompson
He was seduced by the project of the Boston Celtics, who will play the leading roles in the Eastern Conference, which he could not do in Cleveland since the departure of LeBron James.
“I’ve always heard rumors that the Celtics are interested in me. I have a good relationship with Jaylen (Brown), I’ve known him since he was drafted. Then with JT (Jayson Tatum) we had a chat, he called me after the market opened to tell me to come here. Then Danny Ainge called me when the free agency opened. He told me how much he loves my game and that I could be a great part of this team and a piece they lack to reach their goal. Kemba contacted me and I have known Kemba from high school, when he was in Rice and I was in St. Benedict. I have relationships with all of these guys. It made me feel wanted. I had the feeling that they really wanted me to be a part of this adventure. It was an easy decision to make. Then what really attracted me was how young and talented these guys are. Jaylen, Jayson, even Smart, they are young and talented. I remember when Kyrie (Irving) and Gordon (Hayward) were injured and there was Terry (Rozier) and all those young guys. Tatum was a rookie or in his sophomore year, then there was Smart, which was like in his 3rd or 4th season, and they had pushed us to Game 7. It was promising. ” Thompson
The Canadian interior will bring his experience to the Celtics, he who had many finals and the title in 2016. He learned in particular from a certain LeBron James, whom he described as the best player in history during the conference when a reporter referred to him as one of the best in history.
“I think that with my experience and the players I have worked with, I have played with LeBron in particular and I have learned from him on a daily basis. It was the chance of a lifetime to be able to evolve with him, and I will be able to pass on the wisdom acquired thanks to him. This is the NBA. We must not be afraid to speak. If you see something wrong, you have earned the right to speak up and say what you think. If you’re the guy who works hard and does the right thing every day, you’ve earned the right to kick a teammate’s ass or tell them what’s wrong, because we all expect the best of each one. I want Jayson to be the best Jayson he can be and he should demand that I be the best Tristan that I can be. This is camaraderie and leadership, it is to take you to the next level. When you can do that and your teammates respect it, that’s where your game takes to the next level. ” Thompson
Then on the field he will bring his defense, his rebounds and his energy.
“Offensively and defensively, I’m going to bring that energy. I think that energy will boost the team and that’s what Brad (Stevens) told me I was going to be the engine that starts the team. I’ve always had this role and I’ve been like that from the start. I want to come in and play harder than the bigs I’m up against. No matter who I play against, you have to play harder than them and it’s contagious. I think everyone in the NBA knows the importance of that, so I’m going to be me, because I think it has worked out pretty well for me and I think it can help this team a lot. ” Thompson
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