On March 1st the Boston Celtics had a decisive win over the Cleveland Cavaliers, but there was one person who we didn’t see play tonight: Grant Williams.
Williams hasn’t been DNP by the coach since 2021.
Grant Williams hasn't been a DNP-CD since May of 2021. Played every game he was available last season and this season.
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) March 2, 2023
Barring a change in rotation, Williams looks like he'll be a DNP-CD tonight.
To put it in perspective this wasn’t a great month for Grant Williams. Williams is on a shooting slump as he shot 33% from the floor overall and 32% from beyond the arc. Williams has been on a downward spiral shooting-wise for the last two months. After shooting over 50% from the field and 44% from the 3-point line during December, he has dropped off during January. Williams was shooting 41% from the floor and 36% from downtown.
Another reason why Williams could have been DNP-CD was because of a matchup situation. Williams would have been too slow to guard Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland. He is also too small to guard Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley.
The Celtics went with the recently acquired Mike Muscala to round out their nine man rotation for the game. Muscala, who is six-foot-11, provided more size on the floor to fight against the length of the Cavaliers.
Grant Williams could suffer in contract negotiations with Boston Celtics
This is not a good look for Williams as he is seeking $20 million per year in his next contract. A shooting slump, and being DNP won’t earn him any favors in his next negotiation. The Boston Celtics are willing to match offers from other teams, but only if it is financially beneficial for them to keep Williams.
Either way Celtics fans I wouldn’t worry too much about Williams being DNP-CD. A one game break is probably what Williams needed to clear his head.
I am confident enough the combo forward would break out of his shooting slump and go back to his old self. For the sake of his future, if he wants the $20 million per year, he’s going to need to regain his confidence and play like he did last season.