Boston Celtics: 3 players to monitor closely in training camp

Boston Celtics player No. 2) Robert Williams III

Now yes, some of you may be somewhat confused to see the likes of Robert Williams III being mentioned on a list discussing players to monitor closely during training camp, for a piece such as this usually focuses on players still trying to establish themselves and, well, the big man has already done that what with his newly signed $54 million contract extention.

However, there is another way in which players can go about camp, and that is to try and attain a more sizeable role within the rotation for the coming year.

For Time Lord, this role would ultimately be the starting center slot.

As things currently stand, we at HH along with plenty of other media outlets believe believe that, come opening night, the player manning the middle in the first five for the Cs will ultimately be veteran center Al Horford, who held the position for the team from 2016 to 2019 during his first stint with the organization.

To us, this concept of slotting in the former All-Star in this role just makes sense, for he’s already proven capable of excelling at the five with this franchise, can help space the floor, and is coming off of a solid all-around season (14.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.4 assists on 37 percent shooting from deep in 2020-21).

However, there is a strong argument to be made that Robert Williams deserves an equal opportunity to claim the starting center position, for his play in said role last year saw impressive outcomes both individually as well as for the Celtics as a whole.

During 13 stars last year, the 23-year-old posted averages of 9.5 points, 8.3 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.7 blocks on 70.5 percent shooting while also registering a record of 10-3 during this timespan.

What’s more impressive is, per 75 possessions during the 2020-21 season the big man posted averages of 15.5 points, 13.3 points, 3.5 assists, and 3.4 blocks on an impressive 72 percent shooting from the floor while boasting a team-best box plus-minus of 6.1, thus insinuating that, when given more opportunities to perform, Williams can certainly deliver.

As we mentioned earlier, the fourth-year veteran signed a rather lofty contract extension this summer, thus meaning Stevens and co. believe he has the potential to be the long-term answer for this franchise down low.

During training camp, we expect Robert Williams to give it his all in an effort to get the ball rolling on trying to secure the starting center position for good.