Boston Celtics: Grant Williams Emergence Has Been a Positive Surprise This Season
The Boston Celtics finished the first half of the 2021-22 season on a high note, winning nine of their last 10 games. Their success can be attributed to improved play from Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, as well as the bench.
One key bench player this season has been third-year forward Grant Williams. William’s emergence this season has been a positive boost for the Celtics.
Williams has overcome a slow start to his career, as many Boston Celtics fans may remember when he started his career 0-25 from the 3-point line. Since then, Williams has improved his game tremendously to become an impact rotation player for the Celtics.
This season, Williams is averaging 7.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, and his shooting splits are 49/44/89%. The fact that Williams is flirting with a 50/40/90 season at this point is a credit to his hard work. Take a look at Wiliams’ statistical improvements from last season.
Lets start with his statistical improvements:
— HOOPS EMPIRE (@HoopsEmpire_) February 14, 2022
(Last year | This year)
➼ PPG: 4.7 | 7.2
➼ RPG: 2.8 | 3.2
➼ APG: 1.0 | 1.1
➼ FG%: 43.7 | 48.1
➼ 3P%: 37.2 | 43.1 (+1.4 attempts per game)
➼ FT%: 58.8 | 89.6
➼ TS%: 54.6 | 65.4
➼ ORTG: 105 | 124
➼ DRTG: 114 | 107
...
The success Williams has had this season has been a positive boost for the C’s and to the delight of Celtics fans. On the defensive side, Williams is currently ranked 7th in positional versatility, and he has become an overall plus defender.
Also, Williams has the ninth best true shooting percentage, is 5th in the NBA in three-point percentage, and is seventh in the NBA in points per shot. Williams has also helped the Jays tremendously as he is ninth in the NBA in corner three-point percentage.
Williams has essentially become the perfect 3-and-D player for the Celtics off the bench, which is a much-needed role on the team. I think Williams has established himself as a key rotation player for the Boston Celtics when they are in their peak contending years. Also, I think the success Williams has had makes him a valuable asset in future trades. Williams gives the Celtics another legit piece that they can use in potential trades this summer or in future years for a star player.
Overall, Williams will need to keep shooting at a high level off the bench to help the C’s make a run up the Eastern Conference standings. Williams appears to be playing with supreme confidence right now, and with the open looks he will get from Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, I see no signs of him slowing down.