Robert Williams is known for his athleticism. The Boston Celtics‘ big man is an above-the-rim threat regardless of the situation. However, outside of his leaping ability, Williams’ only other legitimate offensive weapon is his passing. Entering the first healthy offseason of his career, it would appear that the Louisiana native is looking to extend his offensive abilities.
Recently, some video footage of Williams working out with his skills trainer, Aaron Miller, surfaced on social media. In those videos, Williams can be seen working on a mid-range shot, some floaters, and even some 3-point shots, much to the enjoyment of the fanbase.
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
Following the emergence of these videos, NBC Sports Boston’s Chris Forsberg interviewed Miller to provide a better understanding of what Williams is working on.
Celtics teammates want Robert Williams to be more aggressive on offense
One of the primary objectives this offseason is for Williams to be more confident in his offensive game. As Miller noted in the interview, Jayson Tatum – and other members of Boston’s rotation – would like to see Williams take more shots rather than deferring when in a scoring position.
“[Jayson Tatum is] mad at Rob when he isn’t taking shots,” Miller told Forsberg. “And he is mad at Rob — not mad, but holding him accountable — when he isn’t taking shots and when he isn’t being a threat or looking at the goal…It’s basically giving him the nod like, ‘Hey, it’s OK that you’re taking those shots. It’s OK that you’re taking those midrange (shots) because we need you to take them.’ Because, like I said, it’ll open up other opportunities for [Tatum and Brown].”
When you let Rob Will initiate some offense, good things happen. Entry pass – DHO – Bucket.
Rob's roll means Poeltl can't commit to contesting Tatum's jumper, leaving Murray to do so from a lock-and-trail rearview contest. pic.twitter.com/lHbj52j50T
— Adam Taylor (@AdamTaylorNBA) January 6, 2022
Last season, it was common to see Williams play ‘hot potato with the basketball, as he looked to move the rock with pace, regardless of where he was on the court.
Robert Williams is working to become a short-roll threat
With Joe Mazzulla preferring a five-out offense and Williams’ lack of perimeter shooting, the big man has found himself operating in the short roll more frequently.
“With as much attention as Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum get in handoffs and pick-and-roll actions, I do think there is opportunity for Rob to expand out 2-to-3 feet with the short rolls. Or maybe when they’re getting double-teamed to put it on the ground, find an open teammate in the corner.”
If this can translate to in-game performance, Rob will be an improved short-roll threat. Defenses already have to account for his passing.
Just take a couple per game – start creating that short-roll gravity, and build out from there. https://t.co/zCP5DjUCj1
— Adam Taylor (@AdamTaylorNBA) July 20, 2023
Adding a reliable mid-range jumper to his game would help transform the Celtics’ pick-and-roll offense when Williams is on the court.
Robert Williams is already buying in to Miller's ideas
As noted by Forsberg, Williams is already buying into the work he’s doing with Miller and is ‘excited’ to be putting in work during the offseason.
“I don’t know how well people know him, but [Williams III] is one of the most humble guys; he bought into what I’m saying, the goal, the vision I had for him,” said Miller. “He comes with his palms up, open arms in a sense, where he wants to learn, he wants to get better, he wants to put in the work…Rob is excited; this is his first healthy offseason.”
Boston’s big-man rotation is the strongest it’s been in recent memory, courtesy of the trade that added Kristaps Porzingis to the rotation. As such, it makes sense that Williams is looking to add another dimension to his game ahead of the new season.
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