In today’s installment of CelticsPod, the team discusses Tristan Thompson’s defense, look into the Celtics’ newest center’s stats, before comparing them to the eye test. Is what we’re seeing from Thompson being translated statistically? Is he really improving the Celtics when he’s on the court?

Next up on the docket is Grant Williams, and his viability as a potential starter at the four. Does Williams provide the starting unit with additional versatility on offense? Would his marginally slow lateral quickness hinder his defense when matched up with against some of the league’s elite? And most importantly, is Williams most effective as a small-ball five, what sort of path does he have to consistent minutes compared to the current big-man rotation?

Wrapping up the Grant Williams discussion leads to a conversation about the younger core on the Celtics roster, and what they need to do to earn consistent minutes within the rotation. Why did Romeo Langford see the floor so much when healthy? What does Payton Pritchard bring besides shooting that’s earned him an early rotation spot?

Finally, the CelticsPod team gets into Boston’s game against the 76ers. Will the Celtics overcome the absence of Jayson Tatum? And, is this the first real measuring stick of Thompson’s defensive impact against an All-NBA caliber center? Most importantly, though, is how the team reacts following their capitulation against New York in Sunday’s matinee game.

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