As I write this, there are seven hours to the trade deadline. Celtics fans are in an uproar over Danny Ainge possibly once again avoiding deadline deals. Rookie Grant Williams may be partially responsible for that.
Rookies, particularly late first-round picks, generally don't display a lot of value in the playoffs. But Grant Williams is no ordinary rookie. He has his head on straight, and he produces a stat line that, while never spectacular, is always varied and valuable to the team's success. Over the last five games, all wins for Boston, he shows averages of 8.0 PPG, 5.4 RPG (2.8 offensive, 2.6 defensive), 1.0 SPG and 1.2 BPG in only 21.2 minutes/game. Grant is a skilled rebounder who snags as many offensive boards as defensive caroms - and when he takes down a defensive rebound, he often displays the ability to let go the long outlet pass that results in an easy score. The long, accurate outlet was one of the many attributes that made Wes Unseld a star in the League. GWill has at least a bit of that.
Danny Ainge may feel that Grant has the skills, poise and confidence to contribute significantly in the post-season. With all hands healthy, a bench of Marcus Smart, Enes Kanter, Grant, Semi Ojeleye and Brad Wanamaker could be enough to go deep into the playoffs, even to the Finals. But this does not rule out a minor move i the next seven hours by Ainge. Stay with us.
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Grant Williams: "#weightroom"💪 pic.twitter.com/0i8YtiLXsr
— Marc D'Amico (@Marc_DAmico) February 6, 2020
For the older Celtics fans out there:
— Celtics ☘️Canada🇨🇦 🏀 (@CelticsCanada) February 6, 2020
Does Grant Williams remind anyone else of Wes Unseld?
Rookies, particularly late first-round picks, generally don't display a lot of value in the playoffs. But Grant Williams is no ordinary rookie. He has his head on straight, and he produces a stat line that, while never spectacular, is always varied and valuable to the team's success. Over the last five games, all wins for Boston, he shows averages of 8.0 PPG, 5.4 RPG (2.8 offensive, 2.6 defensive), 1.0 SPG and 1.2 BPG in only 21.2 minutes/game. Grant is a skilled rebounder who snags as many offensive boards as defensive caroms - and when he takes down a defensive rebound, he often displays the ability to let go the long outlet pass that results in an easy score. The long, accurate outlet was one of the many attributes that made Wes Unseld a star in the League. GWill has at least a bit of that.
Grant Williams playing defense...aaaand he can pass. pic.twitter.com/97TM0RCFPo
— Marshall Hughes (@marshallhughes) January 31, 2020
Kevin Love is a terrific outlet passer and one of the best to EVER do it: The Great Wes Unseld (@Cavs @WashWizards @NBAonTNT 7 pm/et) pic.twitter.com/XDGuIyixeR
— NBA History (@NBAHistory) February 6, 2017
Danny Ainge may feel that Grant has the skills, poise and confidence to contribute significantly in the post-season. With all hands healthy, a bench of Marcus Smart, Enes Kanter, Grant, Semi Ojeleye and Brad Wanamaker could be enough to go deep into the playoffs, even to the Finals. But this does not rule out a minor move i the next seven hours by Ainge. Stay with us.
Follow Tom at @CelticsSentinel, @CausewayStreet and Facebook
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