As the Boston Celtics cement their status as the NBA’s top team, it can be easy enough to forget about their Defensive Player of the Year-caliber big man still sitting on the bench, as Robert Williams III gets closer to a return. But interim head coach Joe Mazzulla isn’t worried about Timelord stepping on toes when he is back on the court, according to new reporting from the Boston Globe’s Adam Himmelsbach.
“It’ll be a seamless transition because everything we’re doing he has the ability to fit right in and help with on both ends of the floor,” explained Mazzulla.
“We’re happy with him as far as his progression and the work he’s put in toward coming back,” he explained. “He’s picking it up on the court a little bit … He looks good. He’s healthy and responding well to it. He’s in a good space as far as patience, and he’s doing the work he needs to do.”
Jaylen Brown explains why he was proud to see people supporting Kyrie Irving. https://t.co/3c5jMeflge
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The Celtics are officially in the eight-to-12-week window during which Williams has been expected to return. He has been ramping up his activity in anticipation with no setbacks. “He’ll help our spacing on the offensive end,” suggested Mazzulla.
“Defensively we’re doing a great job of our individual defense and our shift activities, and he’ll fit right in as far as our rim protection. So, both systems were built for our full team, so when we get that it’ll be a seamless transition.”
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