Boston Celtics: Effort, Defense Disappointing in Preseason loss to Cavaliers
By Thomas King
Yabusele, Williams III Continue to Impress
As a whole, the Boston Celtics did not live up to their own defensive standards Tuesday night, but rookie center Robert Williams III and sophomore Guerschon Yabusele continued their strong preseason play.
Williams III played less than 10 minutes, but still managed 6 points, 4 rebounds, and a block. The 6-foot-10 center has displayed quick feet for a man of his size, sliding his feet to stay in front of guards on pick-and-roll coverage and using his 7-foot-6 wingspan to deter shots from all over the court. Williams’ ability to make up ground and alter or block shots from the weak side of the defense will be his calling card in the NBA.
In what will be a pivotal season for Yabusele, the 6-foot-8 forward has gotten off to a promising start, impressing the coaching staff with his effectiveness and energy-level on defense. Yabusele has registered at least one block in each of Boston’s preseason games and looks much more comfortable and alert in the defensive scheme than a season ago.
In 19 minutes, Yabusele led the team with a +15 plus/minus despite missing both of his field goal attempts and not scoring a point. He did, however, grab four rebounds and block a shot, while defending at a high level.
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In order to stick with the team beyond this season, Yabusele will still have to show he can shoot well enough to be a threat on offense, but the way he’s played on defense has certainly not gone unnoticed.