Boston Celtics: 2 players who could have increased roles in 2020-21
By Mark Nilon
Boston Celtics player worthy of increased role No. 1) Grant Williams
Though he may have come into the year stuck behind Carsen Edwards, Romeo Langford, Tremont Waters, and, of course, Tacko Fall in terms of the most buzzed-about Boston Celtics rookie prospects, Grant Williams wound up finishing the year as easily the most valuable of the bunch.
Playing in the most games by far in comparison to any of the other first-year Cs — 69 contests played, 21 more than the next closest rookie Javonte Green –, the forward posted averages of 3.4 points, 2.6 rebounds, one assist, and half a block per game on 41 percent shooting from the floor.
Obviously, these numbers are nothing to write home about. That said, for those who actually watched him play throughout the campaign, you’d know that his efforts on the court showed up in many more ways aside from per game statistics.
His willingness to execute hustle plays, bang down low on the boards, play solid defense, and fall on the floor for loose balls were all welcoming sights to see, and easily aided in the reason as to why he saw an average of 10 minutes per game in the postseason.
Finishing fifth on the team in box plus-minus for players who played over 100 minutes in the playoffs, and second in defensive box plus-minus when abiding by the same qualifications, the 21-year-old put his best foot forward when his number was called and, because of this, has certainly turned himself into a consistent contributor within Brad Stevens’ rotation moving forward.
Boston Celtics fans saw the hustle, grit, and grind in which Grant Williams provided on a nightly basis in 2019-20. Because of this, the Houdini believes him to be very deserving of an increased role come next season.