Boston Celtics: 3 Cs that must show out through remainder of 2021

Boston Celtics player No. 2) Robert Williams III

Robert Williams III has been electric at times throughout 2021, particularly during this year’s campaign where he’s finding himself boasting career-highs virtually all across the board.

In 27.8 minutes the big man is putting up 9.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 1.7 blocks per game on a stellar 74 percent shooting from the field.

Now, while his on-court production has certainly been of great use for the Boston Celtics throughout the year, the problem is often that it’s not a long-lasting, consistent impact that he’s making throughout a game.

Take their recent outing against the Los Angeles Lakers, for example.

Starting off the night we saw Time Lord being heavily utilized within the team’s gameplan, particularly on offense where they were throwing up lobs and getting him in as the roll man on P&R’s.

Heading into halftime with Boston down by just five, due to his high usage rate Williams found himself boasting a rather impressive stat-line of 11 points, two rebounds, one assist, one steal, and a block on a stupendous 80 percent shooting from the floor.

Unfortunately, however, in the second half Ime Udoka’s scheme shifted a bit to more of a perimeter offensive game plan, thus making the fourth-year center almost a forgotten commodity on this side of the ball which, in turn, only resulted in two more points being accumulated for him and, with this, the first-half energy and hope steadily seemed to dwindle, leading to an uninspiring 117-102 loss by game’s end.

Yes, this section in the piece could theoretically be devoted to Udoka and the coaching staff instead of the center, but we feel as though, even when not being included in designed plays, Williams must look to do more in an effort to help will the team to a victory.

Though he may not be expected to drop 12+ points on a nightly basis, he should be looking to make more of an impact in other areas such as on the boards (is averaging under five per game over his last five outings) and in the passing game (despite proving to be a solid passer over the years is dishing out less than one assist over his last 14 games).

In order to close out the year on a hot streak, the Boston Celtics need Robert Williams to show out in many different areas.