Robert Williams III is one of the most impactful big men in the NBA when healthy. The explosive center is the ideal rim-runner, blocking shots of defense and hammering home lobs on offense. However, throughout his tenure with the Boston Celtics, Williams has struggled with a litany of injuries. To begin last season, the veteran big man missed the opening 29 games as he recovered from off-season surgery.
However, things are different this year. Williams has had his first healthy summer since entering the NBA. And the Celtics have built a robust big-man rotation, which includes Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis. Nevertheless, Williams is expected to take a leap this season.
Buy Celtics TicketsWhen speaking to fans at the ABCD Hoop Dreams camp, Brad Stevens discussed his expectations for Williams, with his health being a top priority, as reported by Adam Himmelsbach of The Boston Globe.
“He’s not an old guy, but he’s not a rookie anymore,” Stevens said. “He’s six years in now and this is the time where guys make leaps and make jumps. He showed his defensive versatility a couple of years ago. His offensive threat at the rim and his rebounding is as good as it gets, and the keys for him are to be available as much as possible and to be able play as long as spurts as possible.
Toward the end of last season, Joe Mazzulla began bringing Williams off the bench as he looked to manage his minutes and accentuate his impact. With Poringis now on the roster, there’s a legitimate chance Mazzulla will continue to utilize Williams as a momentum changer rather than as a starting big.
Several unresolved storylines could potentially impact the team’s 2023-24 campaign significantly should they remain in such a state much longer than the start of the regular season. https://t.co/UlOI51NZRn
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) September 27, 2023
Whatever the coaching staff decides, Williams is due to take another leap in his development. If he can stay healthy, the Louisana native could have a career year for the Celtics, which will only help their pursuit of Banner 18.
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