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Boston Celtics: Why Rob Williams’ injury isn’t as bad as it seems

By Cesar Fuentes

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 18: Robert Williams III #44 of the Boston Celtics reacts after going down with an injury during the first half of a game in the play-in tournament against the Washington Wizards at TD Garden on May 18, 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)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 18: Robert Williams III #44 of the Boston Celtics reacts after going down with an injury during the first half of a game in the play-in tournament against the Washington Wizards at TD Garden on May 18, 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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The Boston Celtics have been on an absolute tear the past month and a half. Since January 13th, the team is 26-7 with a winning percentage of .788, second-most in the league behind the Phoenix Suns.

Everyone knows how crucial the duo of Tatum and Brown have been but the young center, Robert Williams has also been a key player for the team during this stretch.

After going down with a meniscus tear, everyone is starting to count out the Boston Celtics already with the playoffs just games away.

Now, I’m not saying that Williams going down with an injury is a good thing and I’m not saying that the Celtics are going to be the same exact team they’ve been since the beginning of this calendar year.

But what I am saying, is that Boston still has high hopes for the playoffs even with their star center being out indefinitely.

At the last seconds of the trade deadline, the Celtics and the Rockets struck a deal, sending big man Daniel Theis back to Boston. Since the return of Theis is averaging five points in only 14 minutes of playing time.

I know that five points don’t really sound like an ideal number for a starting center, but because of Rob Williams’ excellence, Theis hasn’t had to play as much as he has in the past. Before the deadline, when Theis was with Houston, he was averaging eight points in 23 minutes with five rebounds.

But the acquisition of Daniel Theis isn’t the only reason why C’s fans shouldn’t be worried.

Al Horford has been another piece to this Boston team averaging ten points on 45% shooting, his best shooting percentage since his last year in Boston in 2018.

Helping run the offense by being a great passer and facilitating the defense by being a trustful defender, the Celtics are going to look for Horford to utilize his veteran leadership along with his steady, consistent play to keep the Celtics playing at the high level they’ve been playing at.

Robert Williams going down with an injury will definitely affect the Boston Celtics, but fear not, for Boston still has Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown on the team.

Next. 3 C's that need to step up in Robert Williams’ absence. dark

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