The Boston Celtics put their faith in Robert Williams III in the summer of 2021 when they signed him to a four-year, $54 million contract extension. Over the last two seasons, Williams has not rewarded the Cs for their faith in him, as he has continued to be unreliable.
Ultimately, the writing is on the wall with the Timelord, and it may be time for the Celtics to consider a new plan.
Williams is an exceptional talent and does things most centers can’t do. His passing ability and athleticism separate him from most centers, but availability is the best ability. Williams has only played over 60 games once in his career, and he made Second Team All-Defense. The other years feature him playing under 40 games, which is a joke.
This past season, Williams missed the start, which hurt the team when they needed to adjust to a new head coach, and he was not fully healthy in the postseason. In the biggest moment of the season against the Miami Heat in Game 7, Williams dealt with sickness. Although it’s unfair to criticize him for being sick, it simply highlights that when the Celtics need Williams at his absolute best, he never gives it to them.
All of these factors make it clear in my eyes that the writing is on the wall with Williams, and I question his future with the team. As a team competing for championships, the Cs can’t continue to hope that Williams will be healthy at the right time or that he will ever change. Once you reach a certain point in your career, you are what you are, and I think Williams has reached that point.
The Boston Celtics must find a major upgrade at center this offseason
The Celtics need to take a hard look at what their plan is with Williams this offseason, and they have to consider the possibility of finding an upgrade.
Trading for a player like Deandre Ayton or Jarrett Allen could be a smart move for the Celtics to make this offseason in order to truly elevate this team’s ceiling to a champion, and not a late-round bounce.