Boston Celtics: 5 reasons Robert Williams was a good pick

5. Defense

When we think of the Celtics, we think of defense. This season they had the best defense in basketball. They held a defensive rating of 101.5 and even saw that number under 100 at one point. If it weren’t for the injuries and the youth on the team, it might have been even better.

Adding Williams to this mix just makes their defense that much better. He might have a little difficulty adjusting to the NBA level, but it shouldn’t take him long. It’s nothing new to see a young player struggle out of the gate, but Brad Stevens can help with that transition.

This season Williams averaged 2.6 blocks and 0.8 steals per game. Out of all the Division I athletes, Williams was 19th in blocks per game.

He might not see those kind of stats in the NBA, but he could have future Defensive Player of the Year potential. He’s gotten a lot of comparisons to DeAndre Jordan and Clint Capela. That’s not bad company to be with when you consider their defensive abilities.

Williams should develop into a defensive player and best-case scenario, a Defensive Player of the Year candidate. Stevens is a defensive-minded coach and he should get through to him with ease.