Boston Celtics: 3 reasons why Robert Williams will be a future All-Star

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 31: Robert Williams III #44 of the Boston Celtics reacts during the first half of a game against the Phoenix Suns at TD Garden on December 31, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images) /

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Reason Robert Williams will be an All-Star No. 2) His stingy defense

Another part of Williams’ game that is obviously improving is his defense.

Right now, the Boston Celtics have the NBA’s second-best defensive rating at 105.1. Only the Golden State Warriors have a better ranking than them.

When people hear “defense” and “Celtics” in the same sentence, they instantly (rightfully so) think of Marcus Smart. While Smart is by far the best defender on the C’s, Williams is coming for that title.

The Time Lord is currently tied for the second-best defensive rating on the team with Al Horford at 102.4.

Only All-Star wing, Jaylen Brown, has a better defensive rating.

Like I mentioned earlier, a few of the past Celtics’ wins were cemented by a Williams block.

Whether it was a game-winning rejection like the one against Charlotte or a late block that just helped seal the deal like the one against Denver, he’s been able to become a ball hawk on defense.

During his first three years in the league, the future All-Star averaged 1.4 blocks.

This season, he’s upped that to 2.2 a game.

If that isn’t enough to wow you, last year Robert Williams had 43 steals through 52 games. This season, through just 46 games, he has the same amount of steals.

After this season wraps, Williams will have had a career year defensively as well as offensively, and he’s only going to get better.

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