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Way too early predictions for each NBA Award for the 2023–24 season

By Rob Greene

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 20: Mikal Bridges #1 of the Brooklyn Nets reacts after making a three-point basket against the Philadelphia 76ers during the first half of Game Three of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at Barclays Center on April 20, 2023 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 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 Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 20: Mikal Bridges #1 of the Brooklyn Nets reacts after making a three-point basket against the Philadelphia 76ers during the first half of Game Three of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at Barclays Center on April 20, 2023 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 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 Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /
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NBA Awards.
Robert Williams III (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

NBA Defensive Player of the Year: Robert Williams III, Boston Celtics

When Smart was named Defensive Player of the Year with the Celtics in 2022, he signaled that with Robert Williams’ defensive prowess, the center could win the award soon. Williams’ health and durability issues have put his potential on ice throughout his young career.

Many teammates, most prominently Jayson Tatum, have expressed how his ceiling is a main ingredient in where Boston wants to be and their potential as a championship team. There were some believers in a different 2022 Finals outcome had Williams not suffered that knee injury to end the regular season and enter the playoffs. The Celtics played at their best when he looked at least 80% or better through that Finals’ run.

Despite a need for roster balance, another main reason for Boston’s Porzingis movement also had a little to do with Timelord’s inconsistent health. Not only was it time for a new look with their championship desperation, but it would have been hard to be in the mix in May with a frontcourt of someone frequently ailing and someone turning 38 in Al Horford. The new acquisition not only makes life a lot easier for Boston’s dynamic duo but also their defensive anchor.

Brad Stevens stated during the Celtics’ summer league game the other night that this is the healthiest summer Williams has had in quite a while. The team is excited, as he is building from it. Integrating Porzingis takes a lot of pressure off of Timelord, giving him more room to roam and grow. Williams now has multiple years of battling experience as a core member of the Celtics, and he understands the expense and significance of his maintenance and presence.

Experts around the league acknowledge how much a healthy Williams changes Boston’s landscape and their title contention. Timelord just ignites fear in opposing teams’ with his freakish defensive instincts. He made the All-Defensive team in 2022. His mastery on that end showed when his last season, which did not debut until around Christmas, quickly ranked atop the DPOY ladder in limited play.

Williams has been labeled one of the best-premiere defenders in the NBA in just a couple of seasons of being at the forefront. There may not be another center in the league that can guard any position, anywhere on the floor, from both the paint and the arc, and switch at the speed of a guard. He can alter shots with both perimeter jumpers and layups in the paint with his unreal length, as there have been plays of him blocking three-point attempts and taking it to the floor.

If Timelord can maintain consistency for a full season next to Porzingis and the Celtics’ core, He will have a sky-rocketing chance of taking home his destined award. Stevens’ words on the center’s current status are very promising for its chances.