Tristan Thompson excited to get to work for Celtics
98.5 The Sports Hub staff report
After nine seasons and a championship with the Cavaliers, center Tristan Thompson has said goodbye to Cleveland.
“Cleveland, what a ride it has been,” Thompson wrote in a farewell Instagram post. “From the first day of my career that I arrived in Cleveland, as a 19 year old kid from Canada, I have received nothing but love and support from the entire city. Cleveland will forever be embedded in my heart and I will always cherish the countless amount of memories I’ve made over the last 10 seasons. From getting drafted, to [four] straight Finals appearances, to winning the 2016 NBA Championship and bringing a well-deserved ring to the city of Cleveland. I’d like to thank everyone in Cleveland who was a part of my journey including everyone who works at the Q that helped make my family feel at home every game.
“The grit and toughness that I developed playing for a city like Cleveland will forever be instilled in me.”
The Celtics got an up-close look at that grit and toughness, of course, with the Celtics and Cavaliers squaring off in three series during Thompson’s Cleveland run, including back-to-back Eastern Conference Finals showdowns in 2017 and 2018.
MORE: Celtics sign Tristan Thompson
But Thompson’s farewell wasn’t complete without giving a nod to his new team, the Celtics, who signed Thompson to a two-year deal worth $19 million last week, and expressing his excitement to touch down in Boston.
“To the city of Boston! To say it’s an honor to wear the green and white is an understatement! I can’t wait to get to work!!!! ☘️ nation!!!!” Thompson wrote.
The 29-year-old Thompson averaged a career-best 12 points per game for the Cavaliers last year, while his 10.1 rebounds per night were the second-best single-season mark of his career, trailing 2018-19’s 10.2 by just 0.1 per contest.
The Celtics, meanwhile, confirmed Thompson’s signing Monday, and noted that he will wear No. 13 with Boston.
Sidelines Podcast
Ty Anderson and Matt Dolloff talked about Tristan Thompson and much more in the newest episode of the Sidelines Podcast on Wednesday. Have a listen below.
Click here for 98.5 The Sports Hub’s complete coverage of the Celtics.
