The Celtics Robert Williams III is high on the NBA's Defensive-Player-of-the-Year Ladder despite only participating in 23 games. The 6'8" athletic phenomenon lands at number-3 in the rankings (per NBA.com's Steve Aschburner):
Robert Williams simply said "no" pic.twitter.com/pNtY3k6gpU
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) February 7, 2023
3. Robert Williams III, Boston Celtics
"Look, the max appearances Williams can make this season, if he stays healthy the rest of the way, is 47. That’s not enough to win a major annual award like DPOY. Heck, it’s not enough to climb as high as No. 1 on this Ladder. But the Celtics’ center merits a high rung here because he’s not just a top defender — he’s a doctor of denial. His on/off impact is ruthless: Boston’s rating with him defensively is 104.8 vs. 110.9 without him. And among players averaging 10+ defensive field goal attempts, his minus-8.0% effect on foes’ shooting is tops. Granted, Williams was a little un-Bill Russell-like when he rejected Phoenix forward Ish Wainright’s shot all the way to Cambridge. Then again, how many of the other guys on this list will swat your shot into the VIP seats, then lend you a helping hand up off the floor?"
"Doctor of Denial". I love that.But I still prefer my "SkyLord". His block of Ish Wainright's shot "all the way to Cambridge" may have been "un-Russell- like", but now and then a Wilt-Chamberlain-like rejection into the stands must feel great.
Rob Williams may be the most-physically gifted big man on the Celtics roster since Bill Russell. Look for my upcoming article.
— Tom Lane (@CelticsSentinel) August 26, 2021
Big Bill Russell's handle - takes players off the dribble and runs his o... https://t.co/zcmACTxfsg via @YouTube
I confess to worrying about the long-term health of Rob Williams. He has to be one of the most-entertaining players in the current NBA. And isn't that the main purpose of pro sports.
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