Boston Celtics: 3 players who could see increased roles today vs. OKC

Player Who Could See Increased Role No. 1) Robert Williams III

All season long we’ve discussed the underwhelming rotation that is the Boston Celtics’ center spot.

Though Daniel Theis has in fact managed to produce quite admirably during his first season as the team’s starting five (9.3 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.3 blocks per game), with the fact that the shamrocks will likely have to go through behemoths such as Joel Embiid,  Giannis Antetokounmpo, Brook Lopez, and Anthony Davis (should they meet the Lakers in the Finals) in order to bring the Larry O’Brien trophy back to Beantown, they’ll need their entire center rotation to be fully intact.

Perhaps the biggest x-factor at said position and, frankly, on the entire team is their second-year big man, Robert Williams III.

Though riddled with injuries since being drafted back in 2018, Williams has showcased unbelievable athleticism, sensational defensive chops, and a high basketball IQ that has both fans and the organization hopeful that he could be a staple in the C’s frontcourt for years to come.

Through 23 games this season, the man referred to as “Time Lord” is boasting averages of 4.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game on 68 percent shooting from the floor in just 14 minutes per game. On the surface, no these statistics are not “eye popping” but, when one looks at his per 36 averages, Williams’ numbers skyrocket to an impressive 10.9 points, 12 points, 2.2 steals and a whopping 3.1 blocks per game.

Coming into the Disney bubble’s play, it has been reported that the 22-year-old feels quicker and faster, and has some of his own teammates clamoring about his potential moving forward now that he’s healthy.

"“No offense to the other guys on our team, but Rob is a different type of freak of nature when it comes to athleticism, and the ability to go and change shots at the rim. That allows us to pick up our pressure a little bit more as guards. And really, really, really give the opposing team problems.” – Marcus Smart"

However, before we all get ahead of ourselves and deem him “the future” of the frontcourt, he has to prove his worth on the hardwood for a consistent amount of time. Starting with today’s game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, I’d expect Brad Stevens to thrust Robert Williams into extended play as they finally have the chance to see the healthy big participate in actual NBA action.