Thompson would give a big boost to a team that lacked toughness in the preseason.
We’ve yet to see Tristan Thompson, the newest addition to the Boston Celtics’ front line, suit up for the team after signing a contract in the offseason due to a hamstring issue that he sustained in a workout. Thankfully, he may be ready to go for Boston in tomorrow’s season opener against the Milwaukee Bucks.
#NEBHInjuryReport Brad Stevens says the team is hopeful that Tristan Thompson (hamstring) will be available tomorrow, but that’s TBD. Kemba Walker (knee), meanwhile, is not close to returning, per Stevens.
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) December 22, 2020
Tristan Thompson brings toughness, good screens, great interior defense, and another body to a fragile frontcourt for the Celtics. Without Thompson in the preseason, Robert Williams was able to get a lot of run, especially as Daniel Theis missed the first preseason game due to a sore back. Timelord has made a lot of progress, but he still needs to do get much better at playing more disciplined defense. Thompson already brings that.
Tristan Thompson hasn’t played organized professional basketball in 9 months, so whether he returns tomorrow against the Milwaukee Bucks or Christmas Day against the Brooklyn Nets, he’ll likely be under a minutes restriction as he begins to ramp up to where he needs to be to be an impactful performer for the Celtics. In the meantime, expect extended looks at Theis in addition to Celtic youngsters like Grant Williams and Robert Williams.
Kemba Walker is still “a long way away,” according to Celtics coach Brad Stevens. He is working 1-on-1 at one basket with a coach, but is doing no cutting & is not doing anything outside of halfcourt work. The next official update on Walker won’t be til the first week of January.
— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) December 22, 2020
Kemba Walker is still a ways away, but this isn’t news, so let’s not overreact to it. Walker was never supposed to be ready for opening night. He was always going to be ready in the middle of January, and looks at calendar we are not in the middle of January yet. The Celtics will have to be patient with the options at point guard including starting PG Marcus Smart as well as backups like Jeff Teague and Payton Pritchard who has garnered a lot of praise since training camp started.
Daniel Theis’ back is also fully healed, so that’s great news. He should be in good position to start his second season as the full-time starting center for the Celtics.
Daniel Theis said his back is “great” and he has “no issues and no limitations at all.” Good news for the Celtics there.
— Jay King (@ByJayKing) December 22, 2020
The Hospital Celtics are in full effect so far this season, and this can only mean good things for the long run . . . I think. The Celtics will open the season against the Milwaukee Bucks tomorrow on ESPN at 8 PM EST.