Boston Celtics: 3 players team needs step up with Gordon Hayward out

Grant Williams

A rookie out of Tennessee, Grant Williams is a name that most NBA fans might not immediately recognize. The 21-year-old power forward played in 69 games for the Boston Celtics this season, averaging 3.4 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game. Although his stats show that he made a minimal impact in his playing time, Williams is a player Boston could use right now in Hayward’s absence.

First and foremost, the rookie certainly will not replicate Hayward’s 17.5 points per game on the season. Still, the Boston Celtics need Williams to improve his scoring abilities, given how poorly he has played on that end of the floor this season. Connecting on just 41.2 percent of his field goals and a vile 25.0 percent of his 3-point attempts, the biggest knock on Williams’ game is his inability to score the basketball.

Defensively, Williams has shown significant potential, being versatile and able to guard numerous positions. Still, his lackluster offense almost makes him a liability and has kept him on the bench for most of this season.

With more time likely coming in Hayward’s absence, Boston needs their rookie to come in and hit some shots regularly. He has shown potential, scoring in double figures six times in his 69 appearances this season, but nothing consistent enough to earn him a solidified spot in the rotation. Now might be his opportunity to come in and not just provide a defensive presence, but go in and score the ball as well for the Boston Celtics.