Boston Celtics Prediction Series 5: Robert Williams

The way the Boston Celtics have been intrigued by centers this off-season almost makes you forget they did just draft Robert Williams in the first round of the 2018 NBA Draft.  The former Texas A&M Aggie only appeared in thirty-two games for the Celtics, while starting just two of those games.

With the additions of Enes Kanter and Vincent Poirier, the potential additions of Tacko Fall and/or Chinanu Okanua and the incumbent Daniel Theis gives the Boston Celtics plenty of depth at the position. It also gives Williams more of a battle for minutes.

In a small sample size last season, we saw glimpses of what Robert Williams is capable of: a true athletic center with a long frame and someone who enjoys playing defense.  Out of 84 total rebounds accumulated during his rookie season, 54 of those were on the defensive end, along with 40 blocks.  I find these numbers to be impressive, seeing as Williams averaged just less than nine minutes per game during his rookie season.

Williams doesn’t look like it by any means, but he is a powerhouse!  Standing 6’10” and 240 pounds,  Williams is not one to be messed with, especially under the basket.  Noticing he’ll need to develop more of a confident /consistent NBA shot, Williams is hopeful to have more minutes distributed his way, which is something I thought Brad Stevens should’ve done more of last season.

Producing an impressive 2019 Summer League for the Celtics, Williams is expecting to make a strong impact during the regular season.  Having one of the best games of his career in a summer league match-up with the Grizzlies, Williams finished with a double-double of 16 points and 16 rebounds.  The ceiling could be endless Williams.

As mentioned earlier, Williams needs to develop a better shot from around the court, but I do think he could be more versatile than he even knows of yet.   It sounds crazy but seeing the way he is moving around the floor and sliding his feet, he could definitely play power forward. Having that option in your playbook gives the Celtics a line up with two BIGs on the floor at the same time.

I predict Robert Williams is going to have a huge impact for the Boston Celtics.  Coming off the bench most of the season, while throwing in some starts along the way, I think is going to be great for the second year player.  I foresee Williams averaging for the season: nine points, seven rebounds, three assists, and a block on 51% shooting.

Versatility is going to be more important than ever this season for the Celtics, as a majority of their team is made up of either rookies or free agent signings.  This will be a big season for Williams, as he proves to Coach Stevens, and the Boston Celtics brass, he can produce in a huge way for his team.  All he needs is his opportunity, something Brad Stevens knows all about giving his players.  When that happens, guys like Robert Williams block two shots from an All-Star like Anthony Davis (true story.)

We have to remember something important in sports:  It’s not how much time you play in the game; it’s what you do within the game, with the time you’re given.