Could Robert Williams III be the X-Factor for the Boston Celtics in 2019-20?
By Mark Nilon
Coming into 2019-20, Enes Kanter is projected to be the starting center for the Boston Celtics. With his defensive deficiencies, Brad Stevens could look to the “Time Lord” himself to tie up the front court’s loose ends.
When looking at the current state of the Boston Celtics’ roster, one jarring issue resides in their front court. With the losses of Al Horford and Aron Baynes this offseason, the team’s big man depth took quite a hit. Though Danny Ainge managed to sign double-double machine Enes Kanter to a two-year, $10 million contract, with his lacking defensive skills, Boston seems primed to struggle against opposing centers.
That is, unless they finally unleash Robert Williams III.
As it currently stands, it appears the center is one of the team’s best options down low when it comes to the defensive side of the ball. The 6-10, 241-pound Williams is an athletic specimen who has an incredible wingspan of 7-5 and a 40-inch vertical leap.
These physical attributes are highly coveted by big men in the NBA, as it typically makes things a lot easier for them while on the court. Though the 21-year-old saw limited action during his first season with the Boston Celtics, Williams showed flashes of brilliance a times when seeing in-game action.
In 8 minutes per game, the Texas A&M product boasted averages of 2.5 points, 2.5 boards and 1.3 blocks per game on 70% shooting from the field. Yes, alone these stats will not blow anyone away. However, it is his per-36 minutes averages that truly make Williams stand out.
With these conversions, the man referred to as “Time Lord” puts up averages of 10.3 points,10.3 rebounds, 1.1 steals and a whopping 5.1 blocks per game. To put this into perspective, Williams’ per-36 blocks average is the highest since 1991-92, when a player by the name of Manute Bol was manning the middle for the Philadelphia 76ers.
While we shouldn’t expect the Boston Celtics to give Robert Williams III anywhere near 36 minutes in a single night during the upcoming campaign, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him log somewhere between 10-15 minutes when he’s active to sure up their defensive woes down low.
After his impressive play during this year’s Las Vegas Summer League, Williams had people buzzing about him, including Boston’s President of Basketball Operations Ainge himself.
"“I thought Robert Williams played really well in summer league. I think he’ll be able to contribute this year.”"
In 19.7 minutes, the center managed to put up averages of 9.0 points, 9.8 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per outing during the summer tournament.
Out of all the bigs slated to see playing time for the Boston Celtics in 2019-20, one could certainly argue Williams has the potential to be the best of the bunch in terms of defense. After all, he wasn’t pick 27th overall in the 2018 NBA Draft for nothing.
Next. Boston could emulate the LeBron James-era Heat in 2019-20. dark
Coach Stevens may be hard pressed to find significant minutes for the second year pro if he manages to produce at a rate similar to what he did during this year’s Summer League or what his per-36 averages are.
If he can put it all together, Robert Williams III could prove to be the X-Factor for the Boston Celtics in 2019-20.