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

Boston Celtics player No. 3) Al Horford

In his return campaign with the C’s, Al Horford has been a true X-factor for Boston, serving as an all-around contributor and, as a result, has been one of the biggest reasons for their stupendous in-season turnaround.

Now, with his starting frontcourt companion sidelined, Ime Udoka will likely be looking toward the veteran to slide down a position and serve as a replacement option at the five.

Throughout his career, the 15-year veteran has proven that he can excel whilst serving as a team’s starting center, and even nabbed his fifth All-Star nod playing in such a role for the Celtics during his first stint with the franchise.

Just last season, whilst suiting up for the Thunder, Horford saw himself manning the five for Oklahoma City where, in turn, he went on to put up truly impressive averages of 14.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and just shy of a block per game on 45 percent shooting from the floor and 37 percent shooting from deep.

Even this season, when playing the role of main big during the 13 games in which Williams was absent and he was playing, Big Al has gone on to post 10.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.6 blocks in such contests.

With Williams likely now out indefinitely, Horford will need to continue his high-end level of play as the team’s primary big man for the foreseeable future if they wish to have any chance of making a championship run.