I truly believe Celtics center, Rob Williams, would be an 18-20 minutes-per-night rotation player right now if it were not for his hip bone edema that has taken him out of the game - and out of our memories. But Brad Stevens has good news - Rob has been getting good medical reports and is expected back on the practice floor after the All-Star break.
Williams III is more than just an athletic freak of nature. Prior to his injury, he was really showing that he belongs as part of the regular rotation. Although the hip bone edema has no doubt set his progress back a notch or two, he should move forward rapidly unless he experiences another set-back. We know he can rebound, catch-and-finish on lobs and block shots, but his passing skills surprised many.
Rob's imminent return to action may be one reason we saw no moves from Danny Ainge at the deadline. It just may be that Williams III may be part of Boston's solution right now - and a true impact player down the line. He gives Boston a third true center behind Daniel Theis and Enes Kanter, and expect Rob to pair up with one of the other two fives on occasion (per NBC Sports' Chris Forsberg):
Another almost-forgotten Celtic, Romeo Langford, stepped out of the fog in Boston's win over the Hawks last night, and fared very well. We hope the same for Rob Williams. His return will make his team better and deeper. And he is damn exciting to watch. That post-season rotation is looking better and deeper.
Follow Tom at @CelticsSentinel, @CausewayStreet and Facebook
Brad Stevens on Robert Williams:
— Chris Forsberg (@ChrisForsberg_) February 5, 2020
“We’ve gotten even more good news, we’re going to really start pushing him after the All-Star break. He’s going to start practicing with us after the All-Star break. Hopefully he’ll come back soon thereafter."
Williams III is more than just an athletic freak of nature. Prior to his injury, he was really showing that he belongs as part of the regular rotation. Although the hip bone edema has no doubt set his progress back a notch or two, he should move forward rapidly unless he experiences another set-back. We know he can rebound, catch-and-finish on lobs and block shots, but his passing skills surprised many.
Rob's imminent return to action may be one reason we saw no moves from Danny Ainge at the deadline. It just may be that Williams III may be part of Boston's solution right now - and a true impact player down the line. He gives Boston a third true center behind Daniel Theis and Enes Kanter, and expect Rob to pair up with one of the other two fives on occasion (per NBC Sports' Chris Forsberg):
Celtics president of basketball operation Danny Ainge said Williams could be back on the court for game action by early March, which would allow the team to reform a three-headed center monster with Daniel Theis and Enes Kanter. "I’m excited about what he has to offer us because he’s different than those guys,” said Ainge. “He's a better shot-blocker, better catching the ball around the rim, playing in the dunker position. He just gives us a different look, a different option, and more depth.”
Another almost-forgotten Celtic, Romeo Langford, stepped out of the fog in Boston's win over the Hawks last night, and fared very well. We hope the same for Rob Williams. His return will make his team better and deeper. And he is damn exciting to watch. That post-season rotation is looking better and deeper.
Follow Tom at @CelticsSentinel, @CausewayStreet and Facebook
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