The Time Lord: Welcome Robert Williams!

[jmr07019]

If Rob could stay healthy and play a full season where would he rank among centers?

Jokic, Embiid, Ayton, Towns, Gobert, Bam, Porzingis, Nurkic, Vucevic

That's 9 guys. There's also Valanciunas and Capela. Plus although they are listed as PF Giannis and Davis are both really centers and would be here in Boston. I'm probably missing someone too.

So if Rob could stay healthy and play a full season he's probably an average starting center. Between 13th and 18th best. Thoughts?

[ddb]

If Rob can stay healthy IMO he is the second best player behind Tatum. Perhaps as importantly he has the selfless passion, and is important enough of the floor, to be the real team leader and keep/inspire Tatum to play his best, least selfish version of his game.

here we go overrating our guys. Ask the Clippers how it went thinking DJordan was a third star. Didn't work out. Centers like Timelord are limited in what they can do out there. They are vertical threats and shot blockers. In the case of Timelord he also isn't someone you can rely on to stay healthy. he's always hurt.

does winning much more with Timelord than with not matter? he makes a really ig impact on winning and that = star in my eyes.

Please don't get me wrong. I really like Robert Williams as a player for the Celtics. But when you think about the current roster and how they are not close to being good enough to compete for titles, the question then becomes HOW do you improve the roster? Someone like Robert Williams on a rookie-scale deal is a valuable piece. And I just feel like he's replaceable...Celtics need a Center that defends on the interior but can also stretch the floor. It's 2021...Even in his prime years you still aren't closing games with Robert Williams on the floor. His value is probably close to peak right now while on his entry deal....plus the rights to extend is appealing too for whomever acquires him. Pair him with a contract, picks, and you can likely get a really really good player

[playa-hater]

here we go overrating our guys. Ask the Clippers how it went thinking DJordan was a third star. Didn't work out. Centers like Timelord are limited in what they can do out there. They are vertical threats and shot blockers. In the case of Timelord he also isn't someone you can rely on to stay healthy. he's always hurt.

does winning much more with Timelord than with not matter? he makes a really big impact on winning and that = star in my eyes.

Please don't get me wrong. I really like Robert Williams as a player for the Celtics. But when you think about the current roster and how they are not close to being good enough to compete for titles, the question then becomes HOW do you improve the roster? Someone like Robert Williams on a rookie-scale deal is a valuable piece. And I just feel like he's replaceable...Celtics need a Center that defends on the interior but can also stretch the floor. It's 2021...Even in his prime years you still aren't closing games with Robert Williams on the floor. His value is probably close to peak right now while on his entry deal....plus the rights to extend is appealing too for whomever acquires him. Pair him with a contract, picks, and you can likely get a really really good player

that is a fair rebuttal, and I am always open for suggestion on trades. I just wish we could go one season of RW playing at/near healthy to appreciate his full impact.

[MagicBagley18]

here we go overrating our guys. Ask the Clippers how it went thinking DJordan was a third star. Didn't work out. Centers like Timelord are limited in what they can do out there. They are vertical threats and shot blockers. In the case of Timelord he also isn't someone you can rely on to stay healthy. he's always hurt.

does winning much more with Timelord than with not matter? he makes a really ig impact on winning and that = star in my eyes.

Please don't get me wrong. I really like Robert Williams as a player for the Celtics. But when you think about the current roster and how they are not close to being good enough to compete for titles, the question then becomes HOW do you improve the roster? Someone like Robert Williams on a rookie-scale deal is a valuable piece. And I just feel like he's replaceable...Celtics need a Center that defends on the interior but can also stretch the floor. It's 2021...Even in his prime years you still aren't closing games with Robert Williams on the floor. His value is probably close to peak right now while on his entry deal....plus the rights to extend is appealing too for whomever acquires him. Pair him with a contract, picks, and you can likely get a really really good player

While I do think that’s something ainge is likely willing to do and your reasoning makes sense (trading rob if need be) I will say rob is a much better pass than I ever imagined.

Prob a lot better than most here thought also. If he can stay healthy and work on his fundamentals and staying out of foul trouble he’s also very switchable and could be able to guard on the perimeter for stretches if needed. He’s also a good rim runner and lob threat. I think with the right amount of scoring /shooting on the floor he could absolutely close games even in today’s era.

Also a good bonus he can shoot free throws as well so I don’t think he’s unplayable to close a game but he has to work on limiting his fouls etc.

[MagicBagley18]

If Rob could stay healthy and play a full season where would he rank among centers?

Jokic, Embiid, Ayton, Towns, Gobert, Bam, Porzingis, Nurkic, Vucevic

That's 9 guys. There's also Valanciunas and Capela. Plus although they are listed as PF Giannis and Davis are both really centers and would be here in Boston. I'm probably missing someone too.

So if Rob could stay healthy and play a full season he's probably an average starting center. Between 13th and 18th best. Thoughts?

How many of those guys would be better defenders rebounders tho if rob is getting 30 mins a game? with Tatum and brown he will never be a high scorer and his offensive game in terms of creating his own shot is limited but when u factor in we really need him to anchor a defense, rebound and then add his passing thats pretty valuable.


I’m not putting him in the hall of fame yet like some but I disagree he’s an average center when you look at overall impact on a game

[Bad-Thoma]

here we go overrating our guys. Ask the Clippers how it went thinking DJordan was a third star. Didn't work out. Centers like Timelord are limited in what they can do out there. They are vertical threats and shot blockers. In the case of Timelord he also isn't someone you can rely on to stay healthy. he's always hurt.

does winning much more with Timelord than with not matter? he makes a really ig impact on winning and that = star in my eyes.

Please don't get me wrong. I really like Robert Williams as a player for the Celtics. But when you think about the current roster and how they are not close to being good enough to compete for titles, the question then becomes HOW do you improve the roster? Someone like Robert Williams on a rookie-scale deal is a valuable piece. And I just feel like he's replaceable...Celtics need a Center that defends on the interior but can also stretch the floor. It's 2021...Even in his prime years you still aren't closing games with Robert Williams on the floor. His value is probably close to peak right now while on his entry deal....plus the rights to extend is appealing too for whomever acquires him. Pair him with a contract, picks, and you can likely get a really really good player

I don't think what you are saying is unfair but comparing him to DJordan isn't really that accurate, Jordan was always a poor defender and never much of a passer. I think Timelord will never lead the league in rebounds like Jordan but I think he'll have a broader impact on winning as a much better defender (possibly a great defender), a much better passer, and he has shown the potential to have a respectable mid range jump shot. He just needs to stay healthy and that question mark along with the things you mention might make him the potential trade piece we need to upgrade the team. I personally don't want to trade him, I'd rather see him get the surgical procedure he needs(?) and see if he can get stronger and healthier next season. I'd take him over prime Deandre right now, DJ was always overrated ala Drummond because of his gaudy rebound numbers and his flashy dunks but relatively empty game otherwise.

[Bleeding Green]

If Rob could stay healthy and play a full season where would he rank among centers?

Jokic, Embiid, Ayton, Towns, Gobert, Bam, Porzingis, Nurkic, Vucevic

That's 9 guys. There's also Valanciunas and Capela. Plus although they are listed as PF Giannis and Davis are both really centers and would be here in Boston. I'm probably missing someone too.

So if Rob could stay healthy and play a full season he's probably an average starting center. Between 13th and 18th best. Thoughts?

A Rob WIlliams that can play 35 minutes, 82 games a year is a top-5 C for sure. Gobert and Jokic are the only two who are definitely better. if Embiid could play more than 55 games, he would obviously be better too. But it's all a dream, so kind of a silly exercise.

[playa-hater]

If Rob could stay healthy and play a full season where would he rank among centers?

Jokic, Embiid, Ayton, Towns, Gobert, Bam, Porzingis, Nurkic, Vucevic

That's 9 guys. There's also Valanciunas and Capela. Plus although they are listed as PF Giannis and Davis are both really centers and would be here in Boston. I'm probably missing someone too.

So if Rob could stay healthy and play a full season he's probably an average starting center. Between 13th and 18th best. Thoughts?

good question. Jokic Embiid Towns Gobert and Bam for sure. Vuc is now but RW could pass him soon. Davis and Giannis if they were considered centers, but most won't/don't.

I still say Rob getting injured so often has dampened how big an impact he could/would make. I have him easy top 10 and much higher if he can make a full season of health. Yes I know that's a big "IF"

[ddb]

does winning much more with Timelord than with not matter? he makes a really big impact on winning and that = star in my eyes.

Please don't get me wrong. I really like Robert Williams as a player for the Celtics. But when you think about the current roster and how they are not close to being good enough to compete for titles, the question then becomes HOW do you improve the roster? Someone like Robert Williams on a rookie-scale deal is a valuable piece. And I just feel like he's replaceable...Celtics need a Center that defends on the interior but can also stretch the floor. It's 2021...Even in his prime years you still aren't closing games with Robert Williams on the floor. His value is probably close to peak right now while on his entry deal....plus the rights to extend is appealing too for whomever acquires him. Pair him with a contract, picks, and you can likely get a really really good player

that is a fair rebuttal, and I am always open for suggestion on trades. I just wish we could go one season of RW playing at/near healthy to appreciate his full impact.

and to your last point, I think the results of RW playing at/near full strength for a full season would be really good. He clearly impacts games in net positive way. If there's a way Ainge can strengthen the roster substantially without moving Tatum/Brown/Timelord then I am all for it....But you're still not closing games with him. That can be okay as long as you have that solid floor spacing big off the bench.

[ddb]

does winning much more with Timelord than with not matter? he makes a really ig impact on winning and that = star in my eyes.

Please don't get me wrong. I really like Robert Williams as a player for the Celtics. But when you think about the current roster and how they are not close to being good enough to compete for titles, the question then becomes HOW do you improve the roster? Someone like Robert Williams on a rookie-scale deal is a valuable piece. And I just feel like he's replaceable...Celtics need a Center that defends on the interior but can also stretch the floor. It's 2021...Even in his prime years you still aren't closing games with Robert Williams on the floor. His value is probably close to peak right now while on his entry deal....plus the rights to extend is appealing too for whomever acquires him. Pair him with a contract, picks, and you can likely get a really really good player

While I do think that’s something ainge is likely willing to do and your reasoning makes sense (trading rob if need be) I will say rob is a much better pass than I ever imagined.

Prob a lot better than most here thought also. If he can stay healthy and work on his fundamentals and staying out of foul trouble he’s also very switchable and could be able to guard on the perimeter for stretches if needed. He’s also a good rim runner and lob threat. I think with the right amount of scoring /shooting on the floor he could absolutely close games even in today’s era.

Also a good bonus he can shoot free throws as well so I don’t think he’s unplayable to close a game but he has to work on limiting his fouls etc.

One thing I noticed about RW is that he gets tired..He's visibly tired & huffing/puffing if he's out there for a decent stretch. I'm not sure if that's a result of being in & out of the lineup with injuries/covid, or if that's just a thing with him. I have no idea what his eating/living/workout routine is off the court....but more so than anyone else he gets tired pretty quick. so I'd take that into account as well when looking at his long-term potential. He may not be a big minutes kind of guy ever

[ddb]

If Rob could stay healthy and play a full season where would he rank among centers?

Jokic, Embiid, Ayton, Towns, Gobert, Bam, Porzingis, Nurkic, Vucevic

That's 9 guys. There's also Valanciunas and Capela. Plus although they are listed as PF Giannis and Davis are both really centers and would be here in Boston. I'm probably missing someone too.

So if Rob could stay healthy and play a full season he's probably an average starting center. Between 13th and 18th best. Thoughts?

A Rob WIlliams that can play 35 minutes, 82 games a year is a top-5 C for sure. Gobert and Jokic are the only two who are definitely better. if Embiid could play more than 55 games, he would obviously be better too. But it's all a dream, so kind of a silly exercise.

Not to be an a$$, but you're joking right? IF so, it's a good joke.

[ddb]

does winning much more with Timelord than with not matter? he makes a really big impact on winning and that = star in my eyes.

Please don't get me wrong. I really like Robert Williams as a player for the Celtics. But when you think about the current roster and how they are not close to being good enough to compete for titles, the question then becomes HOW do you improve the roster? Someone like Robert Williams on a rookie-scale deal is a valuable piece. And I just feel like he's replaceable...Celtics need a Center that defends on the interior but can also stretch the floor. It's 2021...Even in his prime years you still aren't closing games with Robert Williams on the floor. His value is probably close to peak right now while on his entry deal....plus the rights to extend is appealing too for whomever acquires him. Pair him with a contract, picks, and you can likely get a really really good player

that is a fair rebuttal, and I am always open for suggestion on trades. I just wish we could go one season of RW playing at/near healthy to appreciate his full impact.

I don't feel like I need to see RW prove much more. It's pretty clear how talented he is. I was calling for Stevens to use him more in the Miami series in the bubble. I felt like the team performed much better with RW out there VS Theis or Kanter. IDK. I just feel like all these discussions are just further making my point about how he's the very clear trade chip that has emerged this past season. It's been a blessing for DA to have one of his picks blossom the way Timelord has.

[Bleeding Green]

If Rob could stay healthy and play a full season where would he rank among centers?

Jokic, Embiid, Ayton, Towns, Gobert, Bam, Porzingis, Nurkic, Vucevic

That's 9 guys. There's also Valanciunas and Capela. Plus although they are listed as PF Giannis and Davis are both really centers and would be here in Boston. I'm probably missing someone too.

So if Rob could stay healthy and play a full season he's probably an average starting center. Between 13th and 18th best. Thoughts?

A Rob WIlliams that can play 35 minutes, 82 games a year is a top-5 C for sure. Gobert and Jokic are the only two who are definitely better. if Embiid could play more than 55 games, he would obviously be better too. But it's all a dream, so kind of a silly exercise.

Not to be an a$$, but you're joking right? IF so, it's a good joke.

You can say ass on the internet. But no. It's a total nonsense hypothetical anyway, he's incapable of playing more than a few consecutive games for more than 20 minutes a go so who even cares? Even in a playoff game where he's having an unreal game defending the rim, he plays 23 minutes despite the other big being Tristan Thompson.

Applying the hypothetical 'full-health' attribute to a player and then comparing him to other players who don't get to have this buff applied is pretty silly. Like Embiid is an MVP if he could be healthy, but he can't.

[truth18]

BUMP SUCCESS

[MagicBagley18]

A Rob WIlliams that can play 35 minutes, 82 games a year is a top-5 C for sure. Gobert and Jokic are the only two who are definitely better. if Embiid could play more than 55 games, he would obviously be better too. But it's all a dream, so kind of a silly exercise.

Not to be an a$$, but you're joking right? IF so, it's a good joke.

You can say ass on the internet. But no. It's a total nonsense hypothetical anyway, he's incapable of playing more than a few consecutive games for more than 20 minutes a go so who even cares? Even in a playoff game where he's having an unreal game defending the rim, he plays 23 minutes despite the other big being Tristan Thompson.

Applying the hypothetical 'full-health' attribute to a player and then comparing him to other players who don't get to have this buff applied is pretty silly. Like Embiid is an MVP if he could be healthy, but he can't.

I mean I’m pretty bullish on timelord and was adamant they shouldn’t get another center to take his minutes (like bum ass Drummond) but I think saying only gobert and jokic are better then him is a stretch. We can hate on embiid all we want here but he’s undeniably a generational talent.

He’s a big that can create his own shot from the post or pull up. Can hit 3s if necessary and would have been the mvp this season if healthy. A healthy timelord is a different player but he’s never going to be able to carry an offense. Ever. Doesn’t mean he can’t be a transformative player with his defensive potential but even Gobert without a Mitchell on the court has trouble in the playoffs.

[Bleeding Green]

Not to be an a$$, but you're joking right? IF so, it's a good joke.

You can say ass on the internet. But no. It's a total nonsense hypothetical anyway, he's incapable of playing more than a few consecutive games for more than 20 minutes a go so who even cares? Even in a playoff game where he's having an unreal game defending the rim, he plays 23 minutes despite the other big being Tristan Thompson.

Applying the hypothetical 'full-health' attribute to a player and then comparing him to other players who don't get to have this buff applied is pretty silly. Like Embiid is an MVP if he could be healthy, but he can't.

I mean I’m pretty bullish on timelord and was adamant they shouldn’t get another center to take his minutes (like bum ass Drummond) but I think saying only gobert and jokic are better then him is a stretch. We can hate on embiid all we want here but he’s undeniably a generational talent.

He’s a big that can create his own shot from the post or pull up. Can hit 3s if necessary and would have been the mvp this season if healthy. A healthy timelord is a different player but he’s never going to be able to carry an offense. Ever. Doesn’t mean he can’t be a transformative player with his defensive potential but even Gobert without a Mitchell on the court has trouble in the playoffs.

Well the question is healthy Timelord compared to Embiid. Embiid plays 55 games a year in a good year and I absolutely abhor high-usage centers and think you 100 pct cannot win with them. Rob Williams doesn't need to take 25 shots in a game to have a massive impact. But again, it's all silly; a healthy Timelord is like talking about 6'6" Kemba Walker.

[cloverleaf]

If Rob could stay healthy and play a full season where would he rank among centers?

Jokic, Embiid, Ayton, Towns, Gobert, Bam, Porzingis, Nurkic, Vucevic

That's 9 guys. There's also Valanciunas and Capela. Plus although they are listed as PF Giannis and Davis are both really centers and would be here in Boston. I'm probably missing someone too.

So if Rob could stay healthy and play a full season he's probably an average starting center. Between 13th and 18th best. Thoughts?

So a healthy Rob doesn't have a chance at being as good as Porzi? Really?

[CeltsfanSinceBirth]

If Rob Williams was healthy, he’d be every bit as good as Capella. That’s his floor. His passing is what would separate him. I also think he’s capable of hitting mid-range jumpers if given the space and opportunity. How much are we willing to pay him though? That’s where things get complicated.

[Hal14]

If Rob could stay healthy and play a full season where would he rank among centers?

Jokic, Embiid, Ayton, Towns, Gobert, Bam, Porzingis, Nurkic, Vucevic

That's 9 guys. There's also Valanciunas and Capela. Plus although they are listed as PF Giannis and Davis are both really centers and would be here in Boston. I'm probably missing someone too.

So if Rob could stay healthy and play a full season he's probably an average starting center. Between 13th and 18th best. Thoughts?

1) Rob is top 10 in the entire NBA in PER, BPM (Box Score Plus Minus), TS% (True Shooting %), FG%, Rebounding %, Blocks %, Win Shares Per 48 Minutes, Offensive Rating and defensive rating. I don't think there's another player in the league who can say that. If healthy and able to handle 30+ mins a game, he's a top 3 center in the league.

2) Davis and Giannis would not play center in boston. they'd play the 4 and Rob would play the 5. Or do you mean like if they were on the celtics instead of rob? Well, yeah we'd put giannis/Davis at the 5 and not Thompson. So if you count Giannis/Davis then Rob is still top 5 center in the league....if healthy and able to play 30+ mins a game, which of course is a very big if

[Hal14]

here we go overrating our guys. Ask the Clippers how it went thinking DJordan was a third star. Didn't work out. Centers like Timelord are limited in what they can do out there. They are vertical threats and shot blockers. In the case of Timelord he also isn't someone you can rely on to stay healthy. he's always hurt.

does winning much more with Timelord than with not matter? he makes a really ig impact on winning and that = star in my eyes.

I just feel like he's replaceable...Celtics need a Center that defends on the interior but can also stretch the floor. It's 2021...Even in his prime years you still aren't closing games with Robert Williams on the floor.

1) He does defend the interior, better than pretty much anyone in the NBA. Did you not see he blocked 9 shots the other night? He was no. 2 in the entire NBA this season in blocks % and top 10 in the NBA in defensive rating.

2) He can't stretch the floor, but how many centers can? I count 7: Vucevic, Jokic, Embiid, Porzingis, Towns, Turner, Lopez.

So we can try to get 1 of those 7 or we can be happy with what we've got in Time Lord. Keep in mind Porzingis is even more injury prone than Rob (and below average defensively), Towns is below average defensively, Lopez's numbers across the board are way down this season as he's 33 years old now and really on the decline, Vucevic is terrible defensively, obviously Jokic and Embiid aren't going anywhere. Which just leaves Turner. Maybe you try and trade for Time Lord for Turner but Turner is not very good rebounding, he's not nearly as good of a passer as Rob is, Turner suffered a season-ending injury and an article just came out today where Turner said he wants to stay in Indiana:

https://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/262707/Myles-Turner-Wants-To-Remain-With-Pacers

Also, out of those floor stretching centers I listed above, how many of them helped their team win a title? 0. How many of them helped their team get to the finals? 0.

Guys like Gobert, Valanciunas, Ayton, Richaun Holmes and Capela can't stretch the floor and their teams/fans love them.

Gobert is actually a pretty good comparison for Time Lord. They're similar in a lot of ways. Excellent, defense, rebounding and rim protection, not a go-to scorer but capable of getting you a steady 10-12 points a game off lobs, dump downs and put-backs. Really good at creating offense for others with their screening. Both give their teams a life with their size, inside presence and keeping the ball moving on offense, not being a black hole, setting screens, not clogging up the paint, finding the open man (Time Lord is an even better passer than Gobert).

Gobert is obviously a few inches taller but as we all know, Rob plays much bigger with his 7'6" wingspan and 40 inch vertical leap. Rob is younger, more athletic. All Gobert has on him is the track record proven ability to deliver consistently and stay healthy - which is very important but we're talking about what if Rob can stay healthy and handle 30+ mins a game here. Well, if he can, he has the potential to be as good (or even better) than Rudy Gobert, a 2 time all-star, 3 time all NBA selection, 4 time all defensive team and 2 time defensive player of the year - will probably be a hall of famer too..oh yeah and Gobert is also the 2nd best player on a team that finished with the best record in the NBA this season - and probably will be the only guy from his team that makes an all-NBA team this season..

3) In his prime years you aren't closing games with Rob on the floor, huh? What's this based on? He's not even in his prime yet and he was on the floor closing out game 1 vs the Nets on Saturday, lol