Boston Celtics: 4 reasons to be thankful for the Tristan Thompson signing

By Ian Riaf | Nov 26, 2020

CLEVELAND, OHIO - FEBRUARY 09: Tristan Thompson #13 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts to the LA Clippers bench during the first half at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on February 09, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

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Boston Celtics (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

Reason to be thankful for Tristan Thompson No. 2) Rebounding

Now, let’s pivot to rebounding.

While playing with the Boston Celtics in 2019-20, Enes Kanter was an excellent example of how you can be a good rebounder but easily be schemed off the floor. At the moment, Robert Williams is in the same club.

Tristan Thompson is an example of a good rebounder who won’t be played off the floor. He brings elite-level rebounding to a team ranked 26th and 23rd in offensive and defensive rebounding among big men.

Tristan Thompson has averaged 10 RPG in each of the last 2 seasons.

The Celtics haven't had a player average 10 RPG since Al Jefferson in 2006-07.

That Boston streak of 13 seasons without a player averaging 10 RPG is the longest active drought in the NBA. pic.twitter.com/vQpdhBpXfM
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) November 22, 2020

An offensive rebounding machine (96th percentile), according to InStat, almost 20 percent of Thompson’s offensive shots come from putback attempts.

On the defensive glass, specifically, the former Cavalier put together an impressive body of work, even playing alongside rebound gobbler Kevin Love. In addition, Thompson’s boxout rate per BBal.index.com ranked in the 87th percentile, and the Boston Celtics certainly could use for his physicality in a loaded Eastern Conference big man landscape.