The Time Lord: Welcome Robert Williams!

[Valid]

While I've watched parts of Williams' games over the past 2 years, I hadn't actually "studied" him. Mostly due to low little A&M featured him. But I knew he wasn't what you'd call a hyper-active player. Here is the A&M v. Arizona game for which he receives a good deal of criticism and pretty much ALL online scouting used as a game studied due to the marquis matchup with Ayton. It's not all bad, but his lack of physical play jumps out. And while he moves around, you don't see a good deal of energy, fire, or "grit and grind" in his play. Very few screens, doesn't bump cutters, no boxing out, no attempt to seal his man on post ups. I can't understand how that hasn't been coached into (or out of) him by now.

As I've said on a few occasions already, I love the pick. I knew about the effort issue and it's the factor that makes me most anxious about a prospect. At 27, it's an excellent gamble. But those projecting he'll get playing time this year, I'd temper expectations. There is a lot to like, but something needs to click. But the great thing is, if it does, he definitely has a high ceiling he can reach.

Watch on YouTube

Yeah I just don't see him getting much playing time this year. Assuming we bring everyone back, we'll have Horford/Baynes/Theis as our bigs. Gonna be hard for Williams to get minutes in that group. Only way I can see him getting some real burn is in situational matchups with guys like Capela and DeAndre, but even then, it seems relatively unlikely.

[cloverleaf]

While I've watched parts of Williams' games over the past 2 years, I hadn't actually "studied" him. Mostly due to low little A&M featured him. But I knew he wasn't what you'd call a hyper-active player. Here is the A&M v. Arizona game for which he receives a good deal of criticism and pretty much ALL online scouting used as a game studied due to the marquis matchup with Ayton. It's not all bad, but his lack of physical play jumps out. And while he moves around, you don't see a good deal of energy, fire, or "grit and grind" in his play. Very few screens, doesn't bump cutters, no boxing out, no attempt to seal his man on post ups. I can't understand how that hasn't been coached into (or out of) him by now.

As I've said on a few occasions already, I love the pick. I knew about the effort issue and it's the factor that makes me most anxious about a prospect. At 27, it's an excellent gamble. But those projecting he'll get playing time this year, I'd temper expectations. There is a lot to like, but something needs to click. But the great thing is, if it does, he definitely has a high ceiling he can reach.

Watch on YouTube

Yeah I just don't see him getting much playing time this year. Assuming we bring everyone back, we'll have Horford/Baynes/Theis as our bigs. Gonna be hard for Williams to get minutes in that group. Only way I can see him getting some real burn is in situational matchups with guys like Capela and DeAndre, but even then, it seems relatively unlikely.

I think unless he disappoints in his work in learning to play NBA D, he will, as the organization has said, have opportunities (in the plural) to get minutes this year. E.g., they found minutes for Monroe before Theis went down. There is a real incentive to give him enough regular season experience to be a potential factor in the postseason, just as they did with Semi last year (and would have had for Yabs and Nads, if they'd played better), and if he works hard I really believe developmental minutes will be there for him.

I mean--Nader played in, what was it, 54 games last year? They really spread time out to a number of rookies last season and this season they'll only have one. That'll make it easier in part because it'll be easier to have Robert on the court if the other four players really know what they're doing. It's multiple scrubs and rooks out there together that makes it hard to get the right experience on the court.

Also, with each passing year they'll probably want to restrict Horford's minutes and even games played a little more to keep his old-man legs fresh for the postseason.

[DrCoach]

Knick Fan here.

Great value pick, I was shocked he dropped. Kinda how we got Mitchell Robinson. The Rich get richer.


Sent from my iPad using RealGM Forums

[thebigeasy]

It's guys like this that drive me flippin' crazy. I played basketball from the age of five all the way up to my freshman year of DI college. Yep, I could dunk and it was kick a$$ to say the least. However, it took me years of late night weight training to do so. Unfortunately, I blew my knee out in spring ball and that was the end of my dunking career. Bob doesn't even look like he's loading his legs up to jump and he's already a head over the rim. If this kid buys into this system and buys into his own talents, he's going to be an absolute beast. Can't imagine how much better he'll be if he devotes himself to the weight room.

[GoCeltics123]

Read on Twitter

So this is why he dropped, I guess.

[ermocrate]

Read on Twitter

So this is why he dropped, I guess.

No better way to find out than put him in the hands of Brad.

[threrf23]

Read on Twitter

So this is why he dropped, I guess.

My quick take is: his production at Texas A&M was pretty solid relative to his age, and it would seem that he has shown nice improvement over the past two seasons. Freshman year, he outperformed expectations, he was a top 50 recruit who played like a top 10 recruit. Sophomore year, his rebounding ticked up and he became noticeably more efficient near the basket.

I am concerned that he seems to had been an underachiever throughout high school, but at the end of the first round there is always going to be some sort of trade off.

Anyways, cherrypicking a stat: collegiate freshman since 2009-10, minimum 25 minutes per game, minimum 8 rebounds per game, minimum 10 games, minimum 25 PER (eta I meant 27), ignoring weak conferences and the MWC:

Anthony Davis
Deandre Ayton
Jahlil Okafor
Marvin Bagley III
Jared Sullinger
Hassan Whiteside
Ben Simmons
Jabari Parker
Mohamed Bamba
Wendell Carter Jr.
Nerlens Noel
Robert Williams

collegiate freshman since 2009-10, minimum 20 minutes per game, minimum 8 rebounds per game, minimum 2 blocks per game, maximum 2 fouls per game, minimum 10 games:

Anthony Davis
Robert Williams
Tashawn Thomas (if you count Conference USA)

[Gant]

"8:27 - 18:18 - Kyle Draper and A. Sherrod Blakely are joined by Texas A&M head basketball coach Billy Kennedy. Kennedy describes the potential he sees in Robert Williams, if he thought he would go higher in the draft, and what part of his game he will need to improve in the NBA."


Billy Kennedy on Williams:

He's very talented athletically, disrupts offensively at the rim and on D. Great rebounder.

He's more skilled than people know. They had Tyler Davis who is more off gifted offensively, and that took opportunities away from Williams. Williams is an exceptional passer.

Being around Celtics' pros and culture will benefit him. This is better for him than going to a very young team.

Surprised he went so late. Disappointed, thought he was going earlier. But it was really exciting when the Celtics picked him.

He's got a lot of personality. Everybody likes him. Good with people. A good kid who appreciates the opportunity that he's had. He's not a spoiled brat.

Motor: Some truth that he plays to the level of competition sometimes. He did step it up toward the end of the season.

On D being more assertive and aggressive on switching and positioning would help him.

He'll handle the elevated competition. It'll take him a while to adjust. He'll show more later in the season than early. It's a big adjustment. From a talent and athletic standpoint he's ready now. Needs consistency on his motor.

Ainge and Stevens when they talked to the college staff asked how he'd respond to coaching, what kind of teammate he'd be, what kind of kid he was. They were comfortable with the things they were told.

Talentwise he's got all the tools to play in the NBA

He has to work and improve on his shot. Mechanically has a good follow though and a nice touch around the basket and using the backboard. Needs a more pure stroke from the perimeter.

Surprised he didn't go higher. Doesn't know why he was drafted so late. Teams will be disappointed they didn't draft him when they see how he'll play for Boston and how quick he comes along.

https://www.nbcsports.com/boston/celtics/celtics-talk-podcast-robert-williams-college-coach-billy-kennedy-discusses-cs-draft-pick

[radcot]

Very encouraging!! Thanks for posting.

[Wes-J]

As long as he commits himself he will definitely contribute this season, a fair amount I believe. They're gonna want to manage Horford's minutes and I'm sure give him some games off in preservation for the playoff season.

I'll expect an uptick in Theis's minutes as well. Just not sure where Baynes stands at the moment but I hope we get him back.

[VeryMuchWoke]

https://www.nbcsports.com/boston/celtics/celtics-talk-podcast-robert-williams-college-coach-billy-kennedy-discusses-cs-draft-pick

Holy **** there's a Draper/Blakely podcast? Are podcasts like movies, can they be so bad they're good?

[Duke4life831]

While I've watched parts of Williams' games over the past 2 years, I hadn't actually "studied" him. Mostly due to low little A&M featured him. But I knew he wasn't what you'd call a hyper-active player. Here is the A&M v. Arizona game for which he receives a good deal of criticism and pretty much ALL online scouting used as a game studied due to the marquis matchup with Ayton. It's not all bad, but his lack of physical play jumps out. And while he moves around, you don't see a good deal of energy, fire, or "grit and grind" in his play. Very few screens, doesn't bump cutters, no boxing out, no attempt to seal his man on post ups. I can't understand how that hasn't been coached into (or out of) him by now.

As I've said on a few occasions already, I love the pick. I knew about the effort issue and it's the factor that makes me most anxious about a prospect. At 27, it's an excellent gamble. But those projecting he'll get playing time this year, I'd temper expectations. There is a lot to like, but something needs to click. But the great thing is, if it does, he definitely has a high ceiling he can reach.

Watch on YouTube

Yeah I just don't see him getting much playing time this year. Assuming we bring everyone back, we'll have Horford/Baynes/Theis as our bigs. Gonna be hard for Williams to get minutes in that group. Only way I can see him getting some real burn is in situational matchups with guys like Capela and DeAndre, but even then, it seems relatively unlikely.

I can see him getting minutes over Theis. Williams is very raw offensively, but we arent just talking about potential when it comes to his defense and rebounding, this isnt one of those, man in a few years this guy might be something defensively (like a Damion Jones situation in GS). Robert Williams was DPOY in the SEC for 2 straight years for a reason and the definition of a beast on the boards. I think he can come in and take the 15 mpg that Theis was giving you guys last year.

[VeryMuchWoke]

While I've watched parts of Williams' games over the past 2 years, I hadn't actually "studied" him. Mostly due to low little A&M featured him. But I knew he wasn't what you'd call a hyper-active player. Here is the A&M v. Arizona game for which he receives a good deal of criticism and pretty much ALL online scouting used as a game studied due to the marquis matchup with Ayton. It's not all bad, but his lack of physical play jumps out. And while he moves around, you don't see a good deal of energy, fire, or "grit and grind" in his play. Very few screens, doesn't bump cutters, no boxing out, no attempt to seal his man on post ups. I can't understand how that hasn't been coached into (or out of) him by now.

As I've said on a few occasions already, I love the pick. I knew about the effort issue and it's the factor that makes me most anxious about a prospect. At 27, it's an excellent gamble. But those projecting he'll get playing time this year, I'd temper expectations. There is a lot to like, but something needs to click. But the great thing is, if it does, he definitely has a high ceiling he can reach.

Watch on YouTube

Yeah I just don't see him getting much playing time this year. Assuming we bring everyone back, we'll have Horford/Baynes/Theis as our bigs. Gonna be hard for Williams to get minutes in that group. Only way I can see him getting some real burn is in situational matchups with guys like Capela and DeAndre, but even then, it seems relatively unlikely.

I can see him getting minutes over Theis. Williams is very raw offensively, but we arent just talking about potential when it comes to his defense and rebounding, this isnt one of those, man in a few years this guy might be something defensively (like a Damion Jones situation in GS). Robert Williams was DPOY in the SEC for 2 straight years for a reason and the definition of a beast on the boards. I think he can come in and take the 15 mpg that Theis was giving you guys last year.

He just has to learn how to make contact setting screens on the other end and he should be decent immediately, at least when his motor is running.

[Duke4life831]

Yeah I just don't see him getting much playing time this year. Assuming we bring everyone back, we'll have Horford/Baynes/Theis as our bigs. Gonna be hard for Williams to get minutes in that group. Only way I can see him getting some real burn is in situational matchups with guys like Capela and DeAndre, but even then, it seems relatively unlikely.

I can see him getting minutes over Theis. Williams is very raw offensively, but we arent just talking about potential when it comes to his defense and rebounding, this isnt one of those, man in a few years this guy might be something defensively (like a Damion Jones situation in GS). Robert Williams was DPOY in the SEC for 2 straight years for a reason and the definition of a beast on the boards. I think he can come in and take the 15 mpg that Theis was giving you guys last year.

He just has to learn how to make contact setting screens on the other end and he should be decent immediately, at least when his motor is running.

Ya and I think Stevens will be able to get him to play with good intensity for 2 6-7 minute stretches a game. Best case that is all he is really going to be asked to do this year. So 2 6-7 minute stretches a game of playing his normal defense and rebounding, and set hard screens and roll. I think having him in ball screens will help his intensity on the offensive end. In college he was only the roll man for just 6% of his possessions, what a complete waste of his talents. I couldnt imagine if coach K only used a big like Marvin Bagley 4% of the time as a roll man, oh wait.... Enough about horrible college coaching haha.

But ya I think in a better offensive system, better coach, better locker room, better culture, and a simplified role surrounded by all stars. I think Williams has a great chance to have a legit impact this year in his limited minutes.

[Wes-J]

Williams is the better talent than Bamba. Williams has more fluidity, better feet, and BBIQ than both Bamba and Maker. KG needs to do us another solid and drop Bamba as a client and focus on Williams.

[Green_teamer]

So excited to see this kid play this year

[BfB]

Well, I'm probably the only Celtics fan who didn't like the pick. I'm aware that of the remaining players on the board he had the most "value", but I believe there's a reason he fell to 27. His BBIQ (right now) is lower than any of the other 59 draft picks, he doesn't seem to have any passion for the game, and his offensive game is painful to watch. His body measurements are great, but thats about the only positive I see in him. My guess is he's out of the league by the end of his rookie contract.

BTW I would've been down on many other possible picks Ainge could've made at 27. Most players drafted after the first 20 don't get to contribute in the NBA for long. My main point is I don't see the potential of a rotation player (you all see) in him, which is legitimate for a 27th pick.

I don't like the pick at all either. He's basically a slightly taller/more athletic Jordan Mickey who is 6'8 with a 7.3.25 wingspan and 37 inch vertical. Mickey was actually a better college player and defender than Robert Williams plus could hit a mid-range jumper, wasn't a malcontent with poor BBIQ and he didn't work out. So I have no confidence in Williams. Like Mickey, he's just not what modern NBA centers need to be. There were far too many other great players I would have preferred. We'll be comparing Williams to Musa, Okobo, Thomas, Bonga, Robinson, Kurucs, Diallo, Bates-Diop, and Vanderbilt for years to come and I have a sinking feeling most of them will be better players. I wanted a big and just think Robinson is better in every way imaginable. And FA losses/injuries could turn positions we view as strengths into weaknesses in a hurry going forward. I really hope I'm wrong because we've been searching for a big in the draft for a decade plus to no avail.

What are you basing the "malcontent with a poor BBIQ" on? And what do you think "modern centers need to be"? And based on what evidence do you assert that Robinson is better? Your whole post begs the question here. You sound like you had your mind made up before the pick was even taken that you weren't gonna like it. I'm not even sure where you get this assertion that Danny has even been specifically looking for a big man for a decade. If you really think that, that may be your first issue there. Danny does not, nor has EVER gone into a draft looking to fill a position. Check his M.O. Look at his comments. Generally, he drafts who he believes is the best player available at the time which is exactly what he said he did this time as usual. I think you have some holes in your argument.

Robinson is worse in every way that leads to success, so...


Sent from my iPhone using RealGM mobile app

[lon3lytoaster]

From the above game, I think Williams was decently active, he moved around well and for the most part where he should be. Also did a solid job communication defensively. A&M didn't seem to switch much but the couple of times they did in the UA game, I liked what I saw. Tantalizer got beat bad once but recovered with his length and mobility for a pretty aggressive block. He moved the ball well but did cough up the ball on an entry pass he needed to make a second or two sooner.

My concerns are probably aligned with most others.. He never once really committed to setting a screen or boxing out in that game, emphasis on screens. He's a really solid guy and I'd like to see him bump and bruise a bit. With that said, he also was very rarely involved in the offense (by design, not really on him as much) but I was very much encouraged that he made the right play quickly when he did touch the ball.

If/when he does get sent to Maine, I can definitely commit to scouting his home games in person

[Scarletfire81]

I think we will learn some things when he plays in the summer league. I remember being disappointed last year seeing Ante Zizic, he looked very slow and wasnt getting back on D. I really will be looking at the effort he brings in SL.

[tombattor]

You can't expect to get the perfect player at 27. I'm happy with the tools he's bringing and those tools are areas we're lacking. I have faith in Brad Stevens to get the most out of him. I'm sold.