Change has been plentiful in Boston this summer. The Celtics saw several key contributors leave town one way or another. They specifically lost much of their depth at the center spot, with Kristaps Porzingis being traded to the Atlanta Hawks, then Luke Kornet and Al Horford leaving in free agency.
This season serves as an audition for players like Neemias Queta, Luka Garza, and Chris Boucher. They’ll all have the chance to showcase what they can contribute, and prove they should be a part of the next winning Celtics roster. That roster could come together as early as the 2026-27 season, once Jayson Tatum’s ruptured Achilles has healed.
Boston has made an emphasis on restoring financial flexibility, which should open the pathway for the front office to retool rather quickly. As of today, the Cs are projected to have the full mid-level exception ($15.1 million) to spend in free agency next summer, which could enable them to bring in one or two solid contributors.
Could a Robert Williams III reunion be in the cards for the Celtics?
It could, perhaps, pave the way for a reunion with former Celtics center Robert Williams III if the team’s other options don’t pan out in the upcoming year. Williams III will play out the final year of his contract with the Portland Trail Blazers this season, before becoming an unrestricted free agent in 2026.
His performance and health in the upcoming campaign will do a lot in terms of determining his market, but it’s very possible that he could be within Boston’s range.
On paper, the Time Lord would be a fantastic get for a Celtics team with a center problem. At his best, he was an All-Defensive-level player who would do something incredible every time he took the floor. Whether he was skying for monster alley-oop jams or swatting a shot into the sixth row, Williams III was worthy of appointment viewing.
I literally sat here giggling to myself watching his highlights last night.
These weren’t JUST highlights, either. His ability to roam and protect the rim on defense while serving as an offensive safety valve seriously raised the team’s ceiling.
The Cs made the NBA Finals and then the Eastern Conference Finals, respectively, in Williams’ two highest-usage seasons.
His experience playing alongside Tatum and Jaylen Brown certainly wouldn’t hurt his transition back into the team either.
What could hurt it, however, is his extensive injury history -- no pun intended.
Williams battled a series of ailments during his time with the Celtics. In his final season in green, he appeared in just 35 games after having knee surgery in the summer of 2022.
As bad as that sounds, it’s only gotten worse since he was traded. The former Texas A&M standout has only appeared in 26 games over his two seasons with the Trail Blazers. Knee problems have remained a constant in keeping him off the floor.
Plus, Williams’ game may not be sustainable on bad knees. His athleticism is the thing that truly makes him special. Without it, he’s simply not the same player.
If the hypothetical scenario of a reunion becomes a reality, the Celtics can’t go all in on Rob. It’d be wisest to bring him in as a low-risk, high-reward type of signing next summer.