The Boston Celtics might be forced to start their new NBA campaign without their biggest offseason addition. According to Celtics head coach Brad Stevens, center Tristan Thompson is dealing with a hamstring injury and might be out for their 2020-21 opener against the formidable Milwaukee Bucks.
Stevens said that Thompson hurt his hamstring prior to training camp and is yet to take part in a full 5-on-5 practice with the team.
“I think that’s hard to say right now. He’s not been in any part of practice yet,” said Stevens when asked about Thompson’s availability. “I don’t know what that means with regard to Dec. 23rd. Every day that passes I’d say that becomes more unlikely.”
Thompson arrived to Boston on a two-year, $19 million contract and is supposed to fill a big need for Celtics as a rim protector and defensive presence in the paint. He spent the previous eight years playing with the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he averaged 9.4 points and 8.7 rebounds per game.
Other than Tristan Thompson, the Boston Celtics are also set to start the season without their star point guard Kemba Walker. The team expects Walker to be out until January after he underwent a knee procedure in October.
Daniel Theis is expected to fill in at the center position until Thompson returns, while free agency acquisition Jeff Teague should replace Walker for now.
