Red Auerbach was right. He said you can't turn a bad shooter into a good one. And he never tried to do that. Red never forced long-range shooting into the repertoires of players like Bill Russell and Don Chaney. Don't tell me about their field goal percentages. They rarely shot anything past 10 feet.
Merely a reminder to Brad Stevens NOT to try turning Rob Williams into a 3-point marksman. "Off the Expressway, over the river, off the billboard, through the window, nothing but net".
— Tom Lane (@CelticsSentinel) April 3, 2021
MJ and Larry Bird Play HORSE | McDonald Commercial | 1993 https://t.co/Vmzcbv8MJ1 via @YouTube
The same can be said for Tony Allen and Kendrick Perkins. And frankly, for present Celtic, Marcus Smart. Marcus is hitting 40.1% from the field and 32.7% on 3-pointers this season, and that is sufficient for a guy that does so many other things for Boston - so long as his long-range attempts are kept under control. Jacking up too many shots from long distance detracts from Smart's contributions on defense, rebounding and facilitation.
Now to the emerging Rob Williams. Rob has been a standout shot blocker from the time he joined the NBA. He is also an accomplished rebounder and decent assist guy. Scoring on lobs, putbacks and short jumpers are his thing. And his length and wingspan give him an edge facilitating from the high post. But it would be a mistake for Brad Stevens to interject 3-point bombs into TIMELORD's act. If that happens naturally - fine and dandy. But forcing it? Never. Celtics fans have seen enough 3-point marathons from Boston's accomplished shooters.
Williams III appears to be an important part of the Celtics plans going forward. He is the rebounder/rim protector the Celtics have been seeking all along. And his passing skills are a bonus. Auerbach's theory on shooters at the NBA level is solid. Why in the world should Brad Stevens attempt to disprove it.
Comments
Post a Comment