3 Boston Celtics players that need to step up in Robert Williams’ absence

Boston Celtics player No. 2) Grant Williams

While we strongly believe that Daniel Theis will now see an uptick in usage with Robert Williams likely being out for an extended period of time, especially considering that the Boston Celtics have shown their desire to roll out a double-big lineup, Grant Williams has already been relied upon to serve in the starting unit on quite a number of occasions throughout this year and, with the now-vacated first-five spot, Ime Udoka could call upon him once more to grace this part of the lineup with his presence.

All season long, the third-year forward has been a true revelation for this menacing C’s team, seemingly doing everything he can–from scoring and boarding to diving on the floor for loose balls–to help aid in a win for the ball club.

On the year, the 24-year-old is putting up career-best numbers all across the board, boasting averages of 7.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, one assist, and just shy of a block per game on 48 percent shooting from the floor and 42.1 percent shooting from deep (the seventh-best mark in the NBA).

Though he has predominantly been found coming off the bench, on 18 separate occasions already we’ve seen Williams be slotted into the starting lineup and, with this larger role, he has only gone on to impress, as he’s averaging a solid 11 points, 4.4 rebounds, and just shy of a block on 51 percent shooting from the floor and 44 percent shooting from deep in such a role.

Because of his combination of strength, mobility, defensive instincts, and shooting abilities, all year long the quasi big man has helped rookie head coach, Ime Udoka, by giving him the ability to successfully experiment with an endless assortment of lineups, be it with him logging minutes at the three, the four, and, sometimes, even the five.

Now, moving forward, this rotational flexibility is going to play a major factor in figuring out how to mitigate the loss of Robert Williams in the lineup.