3 Boston Celtics players who need to step up after Robert Williams injury

Boston Celtics players who need to step up after Robert Williams injury

By Jack Simone | Mar 30, 2022

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - FEBRUARY 11: Robert Williams III #44 of the Boston Celtics reacts during a game against the Denver Nuggets at TD Garden on February 11, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images) /

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BOSTON, MA- MARCH 27: Grant Williams #12 of the Boston Celtics holds his follow through against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second half at TD Garden on March 27, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Kathryn Riley/ Getty Images) /

Boston Celtics players who need to step up after Robert Williams injury: Grant Williams

Whenever one of Robert Wiliams or Al Horford has been out this season, Ime Udoka has inserted Grant Williams in the starting lineup as a replacement. In all likelihood, that will continue to be the case.

If that is true, then Williams will take over the starting role at power forward and Horford will shift over to the center position, which Horford has largely been playing anyways, guarding opposing centers.

Now, this isn’t to say that Grant Williams can replicate the free safety role that Robert Williams played. He can’t. As great as Grant has been this year, he isn’t nearly tall or athletic enough.

However, he can provide quality defense on wings, forward, and bigs. He guarded Karl-Anthony Towns for the majority of Boston’s recent win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

And in addition, Grant brings something to the table that Rob doesn’t – shooting. He’s quickly turned himself into one of the most efficient and dependable three-point shooters in the NBA.

That doesn’t make up for what the C’s will be missing with Rob, but it does give them a new look in the starting lineup. Grant has looked much improved on both ends of the floor this year, and with Rob set to miss several weeks, he’s going to get the chance to show off those improvements.

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