Boston Celtics: 5 takeaways from the first 5 games

4. Robert Williams could be the long-term center

Having Thompson and Theis on this team gives the Celtics a solid basis at the center position, having Williams expands their potential to this position. Having Brown and Jayson Tatum gives you the stars you need to win, but having Williams gives them that important piece that could be key to winning playoff series’ down the line.

Williams has the potential to become the Celtics’ Gobert. He won’t be the top option on offense, but he’s certainly someone that can be played through. Williams showed how good he is by earning him a spot in the Celtics’ playoff rotation last season. This season, so far, he’s shown energy off of the Celtics bench and lifted the team along with him. In Wednesday’s victory over the Grizzlies, Williams had a +28 plus/minus in just under 23 minutes on the floor. He took control of the game, grabbing 10 rebounds and blocking four shots. Williams can score too, he’s 15-of-17 from the floor in the four games he’s featured in.

For now, Williams will play as part of the Celtics’ second unit. For the Celtics, it’s good to know that they have this type of monster coming off the bench, who can make up for any defense lost from the starters sitting. When you’re making smart moves like scouting Theis, paying Thompson an affordable amount there aren’t any reasons to worry and pay a massive fee for a center. When you add Williams to the mix and watch what he can do, then there is absolutely no reason to be going after one.

5. Jayson Tatum could be unstoppable

Tatum has now established himself among the NBA’s elite. Last year he was special, as he made his first All-Star appearance. This year, he should be even better. Through the first five games of the year, Tatum is averaging 23.6, which is 0.2 more than his average for the entirety of last season, he’s carried over his rebounding dominance which was on show in the playoffs last year, and he’s helped his team on both ends.

He’s impossible to guard when it’s his night, which is exactly the same as his teammate Brown. Tatum’s efficiency has been down slightly, he’s taken 100 shots through five games, making 45 of these. I wouldn’t say this is a bad thing, as it shows Tatum’s confidence in himself. It’s clear that he came out of the gates raring to go, his shot attempts have also been descending game by game. The most impressive thing to see from him so far this year is his ability to be just as deadly off of the ball.

Tatum shot just 12 times against the Grizzlies but finished the night a +29. Whilst he is predominantly known as a scorer, just like Paul Pierce was, Tatum can do just about everything there is to do in the game of basketball to an elite level. From game-winners over the likes of Giannis Antetokounmpo to clutch defensive plays, Tatum has everything that’s needed to be a franchise player and lead his team to greatness. It could be the start of something special for the Boston Celtics.