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Boston Celtics: 3 X-factors that will determine C’s success in 2020-21

By Mark Nilon

BOSTON, MA - FEBRUARY 1: Grant Williams #12 of the Boston Celtics reacts against the Philadelphia 76ers in the second half at TD Garden on February 1, 2020 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Kathryn Riley/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - FEBRUARY 1: Grant Williams #12 of the Boston Celtics reacts against the Philadelphia 76ers in the second half at TD Garden on February 1, 2020 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Kathryn Riley/Getty Images) /
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The Boston Celtics come into 2020-21 as one of the favorites to take the Eastern Conference crown. However, in order to prove these lofty expectations right, they’ll need some help along the way.

With tip-off being just two days away, the Boston Celtics now find themselves gearing up for a 72-game season that many expect big things from.

With Jayson Tatum being ranked as the 11th best player in the NBA and ESPN predicting a top-5 finish for the shamrocks, Boston has a prime opportunity to follow up their impressive 2019-20 campaign with an even better showing this year.

That said, in order for this to happen, players and personnel alike will need to give it their all throughout the campaign.

In the Houdini’s humble opinion, outside of their obvious stars in Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Kemba Walker (when he returns) the 2020-21 Celtics have 3 specific X-factors that will have major impacts on how successful the team winds up being.

Read on to see who we believe to be one of these said X-factors:

Boston Celtics X-factor No. 1) Tristan Thompson

Signed this offseason to a 2-year, $19 million deal, Tristan Thompson‘s presence with these young and talented Boston Celtics will be highly valuable. In fact, in his first practice with his new squad, the impact that he can bring to the table was felt immediately, according to Brad Stevens:

"“He did a lot of practice today and you could tell our energy went to a different level,” Celtics head coach Brad Stevens told reporters of Thompson’s impact at practice, via NBC Sports Boston. “In large part because he brings a physicality that we really need. I thought he added to the play today and the competitiveness.”"

As for how Thompson himself views his role with the team, him being in Boston as all about trying to make his teammates better:

"“I feel like my voice and what I’ve been through and what I see, it’s going to challenge them and I think if I can light a fire under their ass to get them going and try to make everyone just 1% better, then I’ve done my job.”"

If the reports of his impact on the team from his first camp are fully true, and not just over exaggerations, he could be one of the most important players on this championship-aspiring Celtics squad.

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