Top 5 NBA Most Improved Player candidates this season

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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 22: Robert Williams III #44 of the Boston Celtics looks on against the Brooklyn Nets in Game One of the First Round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Barclays Center at Barclays Center on May 22, 2021 in New York City, Top 5 NBA Most Improved Player candidates this season. 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 Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /

NBA Most Improved Player candidates: Robert Williams, Boston Celtics

2020-2021 Stats: 8.0 Pts/ 6.9 Reb/1.8 Ast/ 1.8 Blk/ 0.8 Stl/ 72% FG/ 62% FT

2021-2022 Stats: 9.9 Pts/ 9.6 Reb/ 2.0 Ast/ 2.2 Blk/ 0.9 Stl/ 73% FG/ 72% FT

Time Lord’s statistical improvements don’t jump out to you as they do with players typically associated with this award. His improvement, while significant, has been in a subtle manner. Some pundits have dismissed Williams’ case by saying he hasn’t really improved as a player; he’s just gotten to play more minutes. However, that, in itself, is an improvement.

Whether it was due to missed defensive assignments or picking up dumb fouls by jumping at pump fakes, Williams only averaged around 19 minutes per game last season, starting in 13 games out of the 52 that he played in. This season, however, he has seen his minutes increase to around 30 minutes per game, and has started every game that he’s played in.

By spending more time on the court, he has been able to showcase his impact on both ends. Williams’ defensive prowess is one of the main reasons the Celtics boast the league’s best defense and have been dominant on that end since the start of the new year. He’s been the catalyst of the Celtics miraculous turnaround.

On offense, he probably is the league’s best lob threat, which gives the Celtics a much-needed vertical option who can be a safety valve on stalled possessions. His athleticism has also helped the team gain extra possessions, as he’s grabbing 3.9 offensive rebounds per game, which is the fourth-highest mark in the league.

Also, he is one of the best passing big men in the league, functioning as a connector out of the short roll, often finding open shooters on the corners. It’s unfortunate, however, that he’s set to miss several weeks with a torn meniscus.