Is Robert Williams III The Future Of The Celtics?

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NBA

Is Robert Williams III The Future Of The Celtics?

Danny Ainge, President of Basketball Operations for the Boston Celtics, made the bold move of drafting Robert Williams III during the 2018 NBA Draft. Williams is a second-year big man out of Texas A&M who averaged 10.4 points and 9.2 rebounds per game. Williams was projected to go during the lottery in the 2017 NBA draft but instead opted to stay another year in college.

After some-off court issues and his numbers becoming stagnant in his second season, Williams’s draft stock dropped. As a player that has been deemed “the steal of the draft” where does he fit with Boston this season and beyond.

Robert Williams’s Realistic Player Comparison

Coming into the 2018 draft, it was common to see Williams compared to Clint Capela. With similar games and both needing three to four years to develop, this was a very fair comparison. If Capela is Williams’s absolute ceiling, then his floor is a player like Nerlens Noel. Noel, who will be going into his 6th NBA season, was a high draft pick out of Kentucky.

Noel put up similar numbers as Williams at Kentucky and had the same defensive potential coming into the league. Unfortunately, Noel’s defense has not translated well to the NBA. This could be the same story for Williams. If Williams fails to progress as a player, he could end up having a mediocre career like Noel.

And You Can’t Teach That

Robert Williams brings a skill that the other Boston big men don’t possess, elite athleticism. He has shown the ability to run in transition and be the roller that is a nightmare for opposing defenses.

Williams has also shown some promising post moves. The player he has been trying to model his game after is Celtics teammate Al Horford. This shows in Williams’s modern approach on the defensive end. Williams is 6’10” with a 7’6” wingspan to go with great mobility.

This gives him the ability to block on ball and weak side shots and can keep up with guards on the perimeter. Given the right opportunity, Robert Williams could find himself as a member of the All-NBA defensive team one day.

What Williams Needs To Work On

The most popular criticism of Robert Williams III is that he has off-court issues. This goes back to when he was suspended for two games last season after violating Texas A&M policy. It would continue when he missed his introductory phone call and his first practice as a Celtic.

However, it seems like that is behind him as reports of Williams working hard in the gym are becoming more common. Another potential problem is his inability to improve his numbers during his second season at Texas A&M.

This could be a sign that he incapable of evolving as a player. Lastly, he has a very limited offensive skill set. Although we have seen some slight improvement in his mid-range jump shot, he has a long way to go. With a free throw percentage of 47% last season, that can be a crutch for his entire playing career.

Rookie Season Expectations And Long-Term Future

With Daniel Theis getting his feet underneath him after season-ending knee surgery, we could see Williams get minutes at the four spot to begin the season. After Theis is back to full strength, Williams will have to wait for his opportunity and capitalize in garbage time.

Williams will undoubtedly take a few seasons to become the starting big man he is capable of being. Expect Robert to make mistakes in his rookie season as Celtics head coach Brad Stevens throws him into the fire.

With Al Horford’s contract expiring after the 2019-2020 season, expect this to be Williams’s first opportunity as a starting center in the NBA. After a few seasons under Horford’s tutelage, Williams should be an impact defender right away.

Additionally, if Williams can develop a consistent mid-range shot and a go-to post move, then he will be nearing All-Star territory. The future for the young center is bright, and every Celtics fan should be happy with the draft day decision