Seeing Tristan Thompson As A Celtic Is Still A Little Weird, But He Could Be Just What The Doctor Ordered

I'll be honest, seeing Tristan Thompson in a Celtics uniform is still so weird for my brain to process. The dude played a part in ruining my life on numerous occasions. Nobody, and I mean nobody owned Al Horford the way Tristan Thompson did while he was a Cav. You also forget he's only 29, it feels like he's been in the league for no fewer than 15 years. 

If he's able to stay healthy, something that was a bit of a struggle these last two seasons, there's no denying that Thompson is going to help right away. Imagine if you were able to add him to the roster we saw in the playoffs last season? How could anyone deny that's a better team. He solves two big issues the team needed to address this offseason, he's not overly expensive and allows Ainge to maintain flexibility, and he's picking right up where Enes Kanter left off in terms of pandering to us fans.

Make no mistake about it. Thompson hit all the boxes in that short video

1. Pump up the Jays - check

2. Mention the Celtics history that we all love like it matters even though there is no chance it matters to him - check

3. Talk about accountability - check

To me, the accountability part is really the thing that matters most. I don't think it's a stretch that more accountability is something this team needed at times last season. Instead of fighting in the locker room, be accountable. There are obviously a few ways you can go about this. What we saw during the Kyrie era was the exact opposite of how things should go. That was more of a blame game situation that clearly was a disaster. What I think this team was missing last year was that championship proven guy who would help keep guys in check and knows what it takes to win. Thompson fills that role.

The rebounding will be nice, especially on the offensive glass. The defensive versatility will be a nice piece for Brad to have. But I do think it's all the extra stuff that Thompson can have the biggest impact with. If you're to believe that the Jays and guys would always tell him they needed to join forces (gigantic eye roll from me here), then it sounds like guys will listen to what he has to say. Of course, it's a whole different ballgame once the season starts, but it's hard to argue this isn't exactly the type of shit we want to hear heading into the season.

So what does that accountability look like? Is it making sure Marcus Smart doesn't force things and stays in his role and doesn't get shot happy at the wrong times? Is it making sure the Jays stay focused on both ends no matter what happens on offense? Is it holding Brad accountable for not having an offensive gameplan in the clutch or having his rotations be all fucked up? I think it's all of it. I thought Kemba was very accountable with how he played at times in the bubble, especially during his struggles, but it was obvious accountability was lacking at times over the course of their run.

I do not think you need to be a superstar to be able to fill this role on a roster. In fact, I almost like the idea of Thompson bringing accountability as a role player. He's someone who accepted and thrived in his role which helped his team win a title and make it to four straight Finals. That's exactly what I want to happen on this roster. I want everyone to accept and thrive in their roles. Don't try and be something you're not, or don't lose focus in the event things don't go your way. If you are able to do that while still being respectful, we'll see this team improve. 

I know there are people out there that are still all bent out of shape Ainge didn't trade for Myles Turner. But when you combine the skillset that Thompson brings which feels a need, plus his veteran championship experience to a roster that desperately needs it, it could very well end up being the right decision in the end.