The Trade Deadline
Before the all-star break, many questions were surrounding the Boston Celtics. The Celtics entered the trade deadline at 21-23, and there were many questions to be asked. Many believe that the key trade that Danny Ainge did was centered around former Orlando Magic guard Evan Fournier. Fournier has had an excellent year and has put the league on notice. This year he is scoring 18.6 PPG and shooting around 46% from the field and 40% from three! Sadly due to covid-19 health and safety protocols,d Fournier has only been able to play 4 games since joining. Hopefully, he can play soon to add to this new and improved team, but there was another notable trade. The trade of starting Center Daniel Theis who has delivered a lot for the Celtics but having him was limiting one player in particular. That player is Robert Williams.
Robert Williams: Time Lord Cometh, Time Lord Taketh
Insert Robert Williams, also known as The Time Lord. Robert William’s potential has been discussed in Boston for the last three years, and fans were getting impatient. For those who do not know much, Robert Williams is known for his exciting dunks and blocks and all-around energizing attitude. For a team with little to cheer for this year besides Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, Robert Williams has been a sign of hope for Green Teamers everywhere. His impact on both ends of the court is undeniable, and fans wanted more Robert Williams. The issue was that he was not getting the minutes needed to see his true potential because of Theis and Thompson.
Williams finally got his opportunity and has not disappointed. Since he has entered the starting lineup, he and the Celtics have been on fire. As a starter since the trade deadline, Robert Williams’ numbers have popped off. He is averaging 10 PPG, 9 RPG, 3.5 APG, 2 BPG, and .8 SPG! More importantly, though, since becoming the starter, the Boston Celtics are 9-2 and now are only .5 games back of the 4 seed. Robert Williams is one of the Celtics’ most athletic players, and it is showing in the win column. Robert Williams is becoming one of the most valuable role players in the league, and many are taking notice.
Time Lord Appreciation Among NBA Greats
NBA player efficiency rating leaders:
— Taylor Snow (@taylorcsnow) April 5, 2021
1. Nikola Jokic – 35.21
2. Giannis Antetokounmpo – 32.90
3. Zion Williamson – 31.65
4. ROBERT WILLIAMS – 31.31
5. Kawhi Leonard – 30.60 pic.twitter.com/mWX6w5Gmth
By no means is the tweet above to say that Rob is at an All-NBA level. However, it is amazing to see his PER be up there with some of the best in the league! Time Lord has some of the most mind-boggling stats but one that really caught my eye was this. This year Rob has 57 missed field goals; at the same time, he has 77 blocks. Think about how crazy that is showing not just his defensive skills but shows he is also very efficient.
Robert Williams and his Impact for the Playoffs
Robert Williams is now being crowned by Green Teamers everywhere as the center for the future. This is great news, and hopefully, his size and athleticism can help the Celtics reach the ECF again. Before this trade, I would say that the Celtics would most likely make the second round of the playoffs but get bounced by one of the more dominant teams in the East. But now, with Williams at the helm, there is a lot of potential for the Celtics to beat one of these dominant teams like the 76ers, Bucks, and maybe even the Nets with the recent news of Aldridge’s retirement.
The Celtics have a core of Smart, Kemba, and the Jays, but with the true emergence of Robert Williams, their deep playoff run aspirations are back. With that starting five and role players getting accustomed to their new roles, the Celtics have potential that many would have doubted a month ago. Green Teamers get ready because this season will define the Celtics’ future for years to come.
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