Former Brooklyn Nets assistant general manager Bobby Marks recently appeared on ESPN LA. He's now an analyst, sharing his cap expertise for the World Wide Leader. While on with hosts Jorge Sedano and Scott Kaplan, he discussed the offseason outlook on Robert Williams III. The former Boston Celtics center was one of this summer's free agents most frequently discussed at the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago.
"The one name that basically picked up the most buzz [from] a lot of teams in Chicago last week was Robert Williams," said Marks while discussing one of the top unrestricted free agent centers available this offseason. "I think he gives you that shot blocker, that rim protector. ... Now, the question is, the cost? What's the cost? Is it $12, $13 million? I think that's kind of where his range is, but there'll also be other teams that also see that. There are teams out there, certainly Atlanta, Boston, and the Clippers are teams that have money to spend. But that would be the one guy if I could circle in free agency on your wishlist, that would be the guy."
In a battle between a Time Lord and an alien, Williams impressed with the job he did defending Victor Wembanyama in the Portland Trail Blazers' first-round series against the San Antonio Spurs. That surely caught teams' attention. The six-foot-one power forward/center averaged 9.6 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.2 blocks in that best-of-seven.
Exploring a potential Celtics and Robert Williams III reunion
As Marks noted, when he's in the lineup, the eight-year veteran provides his team with impactful rim protection at one end and a high-flying lob threat at the other. The issue has always been his durability. That's why Boston was able to select him with the 27th overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft in the first place.
The Shreveport, Louisiana, native -- the same hometown as another former Celtics center, Robert Parish -- appeared in 59 games this season. He only suited up in 26 combined in the previous two campaigns. It was only the third time he played in at least 50. The only instance where he was available for at least 60 was when he participated in 61 contests in 2021-22. As an All-Defensive Second Team selection, he helped Boston reach the NBA Finals that year.
The Celtics are $13.3 million underneath the luxury tax. If they signed Williams for $13 million, they would have to shed salary but could still stay below that threshold to reset the repeater tax.
Neemias Queta evolved into arguably a top-10 player at his position in the regular season. In Game 7 against the Philadelphia 76ers, he showcased his mental fortitude after a first round filled with foul trouble. He finished that matchup with 17 points and 12 rebounds. Stepping up in that moment after what he demonstrated throughout the year should give Boston confidence in moving forward with him as its starting center.
What the team's top decision-makers need is to find a partner to form a potent 1-2 punch with Queta. Williams would bring an infusion of athleticism to the position. His strengths would be a welcome addition to that spot on the depth chart.
The former Texas A&M star, who turns 29 in October, is someone the Celtics know they can trust in the playoffs. He can step up if Queta's in foul trouble or unavailable. He's also a distinctly different option than Luka Garza. That diversity at the position is valuable and makes it easier to know who to turn to off the bench. Being a part of a triumvirate would also help to pace the Time Lord in an effort to ensure he's healthy and productive in the postseason.
Boston has the non-taxpayer mid-level exception to bring Williams back to the franchise that drafted him. A reunion between the two sides is among the Celtics' best potential options to fortify their center rotation.
Add us as a preferred source on Google