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Boston Celtics: Ranking all 5 starters for the 2021-22 season

By Holden Walter-Warner

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - FEBRUARY 21: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics and Jayson Tatum #0 talk against the New Orleans Pelicans during a game at the Smoothie King Center on February 21, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - FEBRUARY 21: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics and Jayson Tatum #0 talk against the New Orleans Pelicans during a game at the Smoothie King Center on February 21, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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Boston Celtics Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images
Boston Celtics Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images /

Boston Celtics starters ranked: 4. C Robert Williams

It’s fair to say that Robert Williams is probably the least known player among the Celtics’ likely starters. The big man has only started 16 games in his first three seasons. This should be the year he finally breaks through.

Coming off the bench for 75 percent of the team’s games, Williams averaged 8.0 points and 6.9 rebounds per game, blocking 1.8 shots per contest. The team went 29-23 when he came off the bench. The team was even better when he started, though, going 10-3 in those games.

While Williams’ offensive game is still a work in progress, it’s clear he can become one of the best defensive big men in basketball. His 1.8 blocked shots per game ranked ninth in the NBA. He also finished in the top ten in total blocks, despite missing 20 regular-season games.

Health is the rub with Williams. He has dealt with a significant hip injury in his career and dealt with both knee soreness and turf toe last year. A fully healthy Williams can be a dominant one, but being available doesn’t seem fully guaranteed.

And though Williams can’t shoot threes, he is efficient from two, hitting 72.7 percent of his attempts last season. Get the ball to Williams in the paint and there’s a good chance it ends up in the hoop. His offensive rating last year was 139.

This should be the year Williams emerges as a full-time starter for Boston. Otherwise, the team may need to start looking for its next long-term answer at the position.

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