Boston Celtics: Grading every player from the 2019-20 season

Grant Williams’ grade: B+

The 22nd pick of the 2019 draft, and renaissance man, Grant Williams, has shown the potential to become an exceptional player for a long time. Without much big man depth, Williams had to step in immediately. Williams has done so, being one of the only rookies from last year to contribute to the Boston Celtics.

His stats were not extraordinary, and although they will very likely improve, Williams is probably never going to be a player whose contributions complete show on the box score. His basketball IQ is off the charts, especially on the defensive end. He did have some struggles on that side of the ball, but his court vision made up for it.

On offense, after missing his first 25 straight threes, he led the league in 3-point percentage in the playoffs – shooting 10 for 17. Kanter also said Williams was the best shooter on the team after quarantine, still frustrated because of his slow start. He also was a greater screener.

But, his influence is displayed best in impact stats. The team’s most efficient lineups featured him, usually at the center position, and the Celtics seemed to always go on scoring runs when he was on the floor. Still, this is a small sample size, just playing 15.1 minutes a game. Nonetheless, he has already become a fan favorite with his smile and vocal leadership on the team.

Whether he burgeons into a Draymond Green-type or continues to be a role player with limited minutes (likely becoming closer to Green though, perhaps not the most accurate comparison), it is clear that will Williams will provide value to the Celtics.