Tristan Thompson -- both literally and figuratively -- was the biggest signing by the Boston Celtics this offseason.
The 2016 NBA champion signed a two-year deal with the C's last month and will bring much-needed size and leadership to Boston. Thompson will be counted on to be the missing piece of the puzzle for a team that fell just short of an NBA Finals appearance in 2020.
Forsberg: Are the C's still elite in the suddenly loaded East?
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So what specifically can we expect from Thompson in his first year as a Celtic? Chris Forsberg and Max Lederman discussed on a brand new Celtics Talk Podcast.
Celtics Talk Podcast: Exclusive 1-on-1 with Tristan Thompson | Listen & subscribe | Watch on YouTube
"Don't expect him to put up gaudy numbers, expect him to make winning plays," Lederman said. "When [the Celtics] lost to the Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals, I had mentioned I really think they need a veteran who's won a ring. They need someone who's been there through the battle like the '08 team had [James] Posey. ... I think this is going to really help the young guys."
Boston Celtics
Forsberg wasn't as sold on the idea of Thompson at first, but it quickly grew on him.
"I had done this list beforehand about potential additions, and I've got to say I was a little lukewarm because I thought the price tag would be high and I wasn't sure the fit was right. But now the more I digest it, the more I hear other players talk about it, it seems this could be a really good fit for the Celtics. ...
"He brings hustle, he brings effort, and I think that goes a long way."
Also discussed in the new episode: How good can this team be on defense? Should we expect more celebrity and Kardashian sightings in Boston now? Breaking down where the Celtics' star players landed on ESPN's top 100 player rankings. And an exclusive 1-on-1 interview with Tristan Thompson.
Check out the latest episode of the Celtics Talk Podcast on your favorite podcast app or watch it on YouTube below.