Boston Celtics: 3 Cs who could benefit from Tristan Thompson’s absence

Player who could benefit from Thompson’s absence No. 2) Robert Williams III

The most likely candidate to jump into some extra playing time should Tristan Thompson ever find himself unable to suit up is, of course, Robert Williams III.

Since being drafted 27th overall by the Boston Celtics in 2018, fans have been waiting for the man known as “Time Lord” to take that step forward and piece together all the potential that he possesses.

While he certainly has shown flashes of what could be, consistency in both minutes and production have been the difference between him being a mere role player on a contender and being the C’s much-needed enforcer at the center position.

With Thompson’s absence from camp, perhaps now is the time he can show what two whole seasons in the league have been able to teach him, as he’ll certainly be an active participant during the team’s upcoming festivities.

During last year’s playoff run, Williams finally started to resemble the player we all hope he can turn into. When he was bestowed 15 or more minutes a night during Boston’s impressive Eastern Conference Finals run, the 23-year-old saw averages of 7.8 points, five boards, and just shy of a block on an earth-shattering 93.8 percent shooting from the floor.

Being that next season will be determined by the C’s front office — team option –, now is the time for Williams to make the most of every opportunity he is given in hopes of having the final year of his rookie deal picked up.

That, of course, starts during this Tristan Thompson-less training camp.