It's almost hard to recognize the Boston Celtics' roster after they traded away several key pieces. They moved Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday while seeing Al Horford and Luke Kornet leave in free agency.
That, coupled with Jayson Tatum being out for next season with an Achilles tear, and the Celtics find themselves dangerously thin in the front court. That could lead to a potential reunion with former Celtics player Robert Williams.
Williams, of course, started his career with the Celtics and played five seasons with the team before being traded in the deal that landed them Holiday in the first place. Time hasn't been kind to Time Lord since leaving Boston, however.
Williams hasn't played much in the last two years, only 26 total games, and is also on an expiring contract. Therefore, he could be waived this offseason or during the season. This could potentially pave the way for a reunion with the Celtics.
The Celtics should be interested in a Robert Williams reunion
If Williams is indeed waived this offseason or during next season, then the Celtics should be eager to scoop him up. That obviously comes with a big caveat.
If he is healthy and looks decent in his role as backup center, then that should be all the Celtics need to see to bring him back. The chances of him being anywhere near the player he was during his first stint in Boston are slim to none.
Nevertheless, if he can provide them with good minutes at center, then he could be a big step up over their projected center core of Neemias Queta, Luka Garza, and Xavier Tillman to start next season.
The Boston Celtics could sign Robert Williams and another center
Williams may not be the only free agent center the Celtics could target. Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic may potentially become available if waived next season.
Vucevic, like Williams, is on an expiring contract, and if not traded by the Bulls, could also be bought out and waived. That would free him up to sign with the Celtics, giving them a player who averaged nearly 19 points and 10 rebounds and shot 40% from three last season.
Boston could use both if they hope to make a playoff run next season. While their guard and small forward rotation is solid, their front court needs more depth. And if Vucevic and particularly Williams become available, then the Celtics should be eager to sign them.