NBA: Boston Celtics Enter Modified Season With An Additional Healthy Asset

The Boston Celtics are among the favorites in the league with their rich history coupled with how well they’ve fared in the Eastern Conference. The franchise as a top team in the league and they’ve appeared to have some reinforcements with a healthy Robert Williams to the squad.

The 22-year-old has been with the Celtics since 2018 when he was drafted 27th overall. The Texas A&M product may not have ended up as a lottery pick, but the talent and potential remains too good to pass up. During his stint in college, Williams averaged 11.1 points per outing to go along with 8.7 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game. His presence inside the paint should give an advantage to his team with the way he muscles his way inside.

Per NBA.com, Williams could do just that if he’s given the opportunity to step on the floor. It has been reported that Williams is in peak physical condition and serves as a healthy asset for the Celtics.

“No offense to the other guys on our team, but Rob is a different type of freak of nature when it comes to athleticism and ability to go and change shots at the rim,” Marcus Smart shared.

The kind of physical strength will be very much needed by the team given how unique the situation and unusual the situation has been for the league.

“I mean, the dude’s head is still jumping at the rim, still there. He’s still catching crazy lobs and protecting the rim and moving his feet very well,” Smart continued.

Throughout the season, Williams was sidelined due to a left hip edema injury. But with the way he has developed, it seems that Williams is ready to bounce back for the squad.

“I actually feel like I got a little bit quicker, a little bit faster,” Williams said.

The time away from the season was the perfect opportunity for Williams to regroup, train and recover for this very unique moment.

“Being out those three and a half months, it gave my body time to heal. Got some good treatment, good work in. Ready to prove it on the court,” Williams said.

It will be important for the six-foot-eight forward to show what he’s got on the court given how Brad Stevens may call upon him to help the team.

“We’re going to play around all our skilled wings and guards,” Stevens said,

The Celtics have a deep squad of skilled players such as Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Marcus Smart and Kemba Walker. Adding Gordon Hayward to the mix as a steady contributor gives Boston added depth to the team. It would be pivotal to have another versatile player on the floor to give a boost to Stevens’ trusted lineup.

“And we’re going to need some interchangeability at the five-spot,” Stevens added.

It will be interesting to see how the Celtics will move on with their lineup in the coming weeks and if Williams can make an impact on the team as a rejuvenated player.