Boston Celtics big man Robert Williams III has a hunger to prove himself that’s only grown since veteran forward-center Al Horford left the Celtics at the start of free agency, with the Time Lord sensing an opportunity to emerge as a major piece of the team’s frontcourt rotation in his absence.
Fortunately for Williams, Celtics president Danny Ainge believes that Williams “played really well in Summer League,” adding that he believes “he’ll be able to contribute this year.”
The second-year center averaged 9.0 points (on 51.7 percent shooting from the field), 9.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.8 blocks and 1.3 steals in 19.6 minutes per game, showing himself to be a dynamic force on both ends and steadily improving over the course of the Summer League circuit.
Last season, Williams received limited playing time, but averaged 10.3 points (on 70.6 percent shooting from the field), 10.3 rebounds and 5.1 blocks per 36 minutes.
In Las Vegas, Williams had a tendency to leave plenty to be desired with his defensive technique and, at times, his shot-selection. However, he was a surprisingly effective facilitator while continuing to show his impact as a rebounder, defender and athlete.
While Enes Kanter will likely displace Horford as the starting center next season, Williams has more potential to mirror Horford’s versatility and dependability on both ends of the ball.
He may very well find himself battling with former Baskonia center Vincent Poirier or recently re-signed Daniel Theis for the backup center position but Celtics head coach Brad Stevens would be wise to see how he looks next to a four-man unit that includes Kemba Walker, Jayson Tatum, Marcus Smart — who are likely to be three of the team’s starters next season — in order to determine what the most effective five-man unit is for Boston.
Even if Williams isn’t a starter, Stevens may find he fits best with the group that finishes a game.
