As preparation for the 2019 NBA Draft continues, we here at Celtics Wire are continuing our draft profiles for potential picks for the Boston Celtics.
Previously, we took at look at Kentucky’s P.J. Washington who is a poential lottery pick which the Celtics have at 14. Boston does own a second pick in the first round at 22 overall and this edition will be focused on that second pick and a guy who could be a potential role player for them.
Grant Williams, Tennessee
Williams stands at 6-foot-7 and weighs 236 pounds and he enters the draft with a decorated resume during his three years in college. He was named SEC Freshman of the Year and Player of the Year in the conference twice while also being named a consensus All-American. He averaged 18.8 points and 7.5 rebounds in his junior year had 21 points and seven rebounds in Tennessee’s Sweet 16 loss to Purdue in the NCAA Tournament.
Strengths
Williams is a well-rounded offensive player. He can finish around the basket at a high rate, he has a smooth midrange game, and his 6-foot-11 wingspan allows him to be a force on the offensive glass. He can use that to reach over taller and more athletic players.
He’s not the most athletic player, but he makes up for that with an extremely high motor and his high basketball IQ. During his tenure with the Volunteers, he played with more talented players like Admiral Schofield and Jordan Bone, but it was Williams who was the leader on those teams.
Weaknesses
His lack of athleticism will hurt him at the next level. He won’t be able to put the ball on the floor and finish over bigger and stronger athletes in the NBA and he will struggle staying in front of guys on the perimeter defensively. Due to that deficiency, he uses his hands more often which caused him to foul out of four games this past season.
He also doesn’t have the most range on his jumper. While he can shoot the three-pointer, it isn’t consistent and he has regressed since his freshman season. He’s also hesitant on taking that shot which can cause issues at this level.
Overview
Williams has the potential to be a good rotational player in this league. Given the fact that Marcus Morris is a free agent this offseason, he may be a guy that Boston will take a long look at on draft night.
