Even though Grant Williams was projected to be a top draft choice, his stock dropped just low enough in the first round to where the Boston Celtics were able to select him 22nd overall. If his Summer League play is any indicator, the forward is primed to have immediate success in the NBA.
During this year’s Summer League, Grant Williams showed the Boston Celtics why he is a former two-time SEC Player of the Year recipient.
On top of everything, Williams is a devoted team player and takes pride in making his teammates better. During his time in Vegas, the power forward recorded impressive averages of 13 points, 6 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1 steal per game while shooting 47% from the field.
Throughout his three seasons at Tennessee, Williams shot 103 three point attempts and converted a mere 30. The offense in Tennessee didn’t necessarily require him to be a standout three-point shooter in the NCAA.
NBA power forwards are expected to do a variety of things, and Grant Williams is no exception. He will have to be able to shoot threes for the Celtics. With that being said, Williams did connect on some three’s during summer league, and it was impressive to see.
My expectations of Grant Williams are sky-high! I’m predicting the forward to finish his rookie season with 15 points, 8 boards, 3.2 assists, 1 steal and 1 block per game.
I also think he becomes the starting power forward by mid-season. Grant Williams is a true force on the court and the Celtics utilizing him in every way they can will be a key component to their success.
I believe the Celtics drafted the forward because of the “re-tooling” they underwent this off-season. He is highly intelligent on and off the court, and simply seems to be a solid human being. His monicker of court dominance and sportsmanship speaks for itself, which I think Danny Ainge noticed of Williams during the summer games against the Memphis Grizzlies.
Although Grant is an undersized forward, my prediction for him is still rather impressive.
Again, I believe he will become the starting power forward by mid-season, forcing Jayson Tatum back into the three spot and moving Gordon Hayward to the bench. By doing this, Williams has the necessary minutes to produce for the Celtics.
Im fact, I foresee more packages built around Jayson Tatum and Grant Williams, than I do with Hayward.
Out of the four rookies who were drafted to the Celtics in 2019, Grant Williams is my favorite. Williams has very versatile on the floor and has tremendous court vision. The forward also has great footwork and explosive power under the basket. He’s poised to be a true staple here for the Boston Celtics.
Both on and off the court, Williams is the entire package and, in my eyes, is a “face of the franchise” type of player.