The Boston Celtics drafted Robert Williams with the 27th pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. Does the center deserve more minutes for the team moving forward?
Center Robert Williams was selected with the 27th pick in the 2018 NBA Draft by the Boston Celtics. His talent level and potential is very high, but he was selected late first round because of some off-court issues and knee injuries.
He’s received minutes this season because the Celtics have had a fair amount of injuries, namely to Aron Baynes and Al Horford. Their absences have hurt the team, but it’s benefitted the former Texas A&M Aggie.
Williams is averaging 9.0 minutes in his 22 games he’s played this season. One problem he’s encountered already has been the constant wondering about whether will be playing. For example, he played 14 minutes against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Jan. 23, his first appearance since since Jan. 14.
It’s hard for rookies to adjust to the next level, but it’s even harder when the playing time is so inconsistent. This season he’s averaging 2.8 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game. When he does shoot the ball, he’s been very efficient, going 75.7 percent from the field. Granted, a lot of his shots come at the rim, but the silver lining there is that he plays to his strengths.
Williams is an athletic big who’s trending his way to being an elite rim protector. Other than his shooting percentage standing out, Williams has been able to block 1.5 shots in 9.0 minutes per game. That’s a prolific average for the amount of time he’s played. In fact, he’s already recorded five blocks twice this season.
During his two-year career at Texas A&M, he averaged 2.5 blocks in 25.7 minutes of play. In three games he’s played in the G League, he’s averaging 14.3 points, 10.0 rebounds and 2.0 blocks in 26.4 minutes per game. One other major statistic in this small sample size is his 90.5 percent shooting from the field.
It’s clear that with greater time, Williams would be a bigger contributor. The question is, does he deserve more minutes?
He’s already averaging 9.0 minutes this season for the Celtics, but it would be ideal if he could see 10-15 a night. The other thing that needs to be done before receiving more playing time, is being able to suit up on a nightly basis. When Williams plays, he’s efficient, provides energy and blocks shots.
Robert Williams making most of his run with the Celtics so far, racking up 17 blocks in just 99 minutes, 2nd most on the team in limited time. Lottery talent who has a chance to develop into a Clint Capela style C for the Celtics. https://t.co/XRd7ZhYPCZ pic.twitter.com/yM6PPXvpnV
— Mike Schmitz (@Mike_Schmitz) December 17, 2018
This video is a perfect example of his season so far with the Celtics. Williams has become a fan favorite this season because of the plays he makes and has already received the nickname, “Time Lord.” Everyone looks forward to seeing him on the court and it would benefit everyone if he received more minutes — especially with the injuries the team has seen.
At this stage in his career, he’s not going to provide top-level play, but he can be productive and efficient. If he does receive more minutes and consistent play, it’s not only going to give the team energy right now, but it will allow him to continue to build on something for the long-term.
Williams isn’t playing much this season, but has been inconsistent on when he’s seen court time. That should change and it’ll likely be a positive turnout.