Hardwood Houdini
Fansided

Boston Celtics: 3 big-man free agents Celtics should consider signing

By Mark Nilon

NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 30: Zach Randolph #50 of the Sacramento Kings reacts during the second half against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on January 30, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 30: Zach Randolph #50 of the Sacramento Kings reacts during the second half against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on January 30, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
Boston Celtics (Photo by Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images)
Boston Celtics (Photo by Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images) /

Johnathan Williams

You may not have heard of Jonathan Williams, and he isn’t very similar to the other two players on this list in any aesthetic. He is different in every conceivable way; from scoring numbers, to experience to style of play.

Williams split time between the G-League and the NBA last season after playing his first two years at Missouri and red-shirting for two seasons before returning to the NCAA to play for Gonzaga. He was a highly-touted transfer candidate after leading Mizzou in scoring, rebounding and shot-blocking in 2014–all while being hampered by a torn meniscus.

Boston Celtics fans may be rifling through Google right now muttering to themselves that he sounds familiar. They would be right. Williams had his finest game as an NBA pro this past March. And who might have been his opponent?

You guessed it: your Boston Celtics.

On March 9th, Williams exploded for 18 points, 10 rebounds, a block and an assist in what turned out to be a Celtics win at the Staples Center.

Williams, at just 24-years-old, is a perfect match for the current C’s roster. He is young enough to grow alongside Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown but old enough to be playable if he was signed to the team today. Think of him as a slightly smaller but more aggressive Robert Williams.

Right now, Williams is signed to Maccabi Rishon LeZion of the Israel Premier League. With nothing preventing an NBA return stateside (only China’s CBA has no out-clauses in their deals), Williams is more than worth consideration for a prove-it deal in Boston.

Home/Celtics News