Boston Celtics: 2 players Cs should thrust into the starting lineup

Boston Celtics player deserving of a start No. 2) Robert Williams III

We’re gonna say it once again, folks: free the Time Lord!

From the team’s most recent loss to the New Orleans Pelicans, there were very few positive takeaways to be had — Robert Williams was one of those few.

On the night, he posted eight points, 13 boards, three assists, and four blocks on 67 percent shooting from the field. His superb defense on Zion Williamson and efficient play on both ends of the ball we the biggest reasons why coach Stevens went with the big man during crunch time in the fourth quarter and into overtime.

Seemingly all season, Williams has been an efficiency machine, albeit in limited minutes, as he’s converting on 73 percent of his shot attempts while grabbing the third most boards on the team, and finds himself leading the way amongst all of his teammates in offensive rating (133), defensive rating (101), defensive box plus-minus (2.7), and overall box plus-minus (5).

In short, the numbers show this Boston Celtics team is better with him on the court. Frankly, so too does the eye test.

When given extended action this year (between 20-29 minutes), Williams finds himself posting impressive all-around averages of 8.5 points, 8.8 rebounds, two assists, 2.5 steals, and 2.5 blocks on an unbelievable 81 percent shooting from deep.

It may not happen today, it may not happen tomorrow, but soon, if Robert Williams continues to show he can remain healthy, without a doubt they need to toss him into the starting lineup for the Celtics.