In the second edition of CelticsWire’s “three goals” mini-series, we will be looking at Robert Williams. The explosive big man faces additional competition for minutes on the Boston Celtics this season, courtesy of their recent acquisition of Kristaps Porzingis. Nevertheless, Williams’ rim-protection and upside as one of the best rim-runners in the NBA will ensure he gets ample playing time.
Still, Williams has some areas he needs to improve. After missing a significant portion of his career due to nagging injuries, the veteran center has seldom been afforded opportunities to improve during the offseason. Still, this summer has been one of health for Williams, and now, the fanbase will be excited to see what he’s added to his game.
Buy Celtics TicketsWith the training camp right around the corner and the new NBA season hot on it’s heels, here are the three goals we would like to see Williams work on in the coming months.
Stay healthy
This goal is the most logical. Since entering the NBA, Williams has dealt with a plethora of injuries, most notably with his knee. However, after returning to the Celtics rotation last season, the explosive center remained healthy for the duration of the season, giving fans hope that the worst is now behind him.
If Boston is going to have a shot at contending for a championship next season, they will need a healthy Williams, both in the regular season and in the playoffs.
Embrace the passing game
Williams is one of the most underrated passing big men in the NBA. The 6-foot-9 center is selfless with the basketball and often opts to feed his teammate rather than look for his own offense.
Playing in Joe Mazzulla‘s five-out offense, Williams can evolve into a legitimate playmaker on the perimeter, using his size and passing ability to hit cutting wings for easy buckets. Mazzulla could also use Williams as a high-post facilitation hub, similar to how the Miami Heat often utilize Bam Adebayo.
Reminder: Rob Williams is more than just a lob threat on offense. What a pass. pic.twitter.com/SKfnye1Usi
— Adam Taylor (@AdamTaylorNBA) April 8, 2023
By leaning into his passing ability, Williams will add a new dimension to his game, which will force the defense into some tough decisions and could generate some easier buckets for the big man when rolling to the rim.
Commit to shooting mid-range jumpers on the short-roll
In recent seasons, Williams has found himself running more short-roll offense for the Celtics. Utilizing his passing ability, the Louisiana native has kept defenses honest, forcing them to contest his roll and commit to the ball. However, this summer, footage of Williams working on his mid-range game with skills trainer Aaron Miller.
Celtics’ Robert Williams putting in lots of work this off-season! 💪#BleedGreen @RWilliams44
(via @EBTMiller)
pic.twitter.com/Ne2ckLNXUI— Hoops Nation (@HoopsNation_1) July 19, 2023
According to Cleaning The Glass, 24% of Williams’ shot attempts came from mid-range last season; however, 20% was from “floater range,” with just 3% coming from on or above the free-throw line. If Williams wants to become a multi-level scoring threat, he will need to embrace the mid-range jump shot.
Furthermore, the Celtics would become a more dynamic offensive team if Williams began knocking down middies at a respectable clip.
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