The Time Lord: Welcome Robert Williams!

[ConstableGeneva]

Yes, and Perk entered the NBA straight out of high school. Only appeared in 10 games for garbage minutes in his rookie year. He needed a couple of years before becoming a contributor. With 2 years of college experience, Williams is MUCH more advanced in basketball knowledge, experience, and conditioning even though he's only a year older than Perk was as a rookie. He WILL contribute in his rookie season. The only question is how soon.

If everyone's healthy, minutes would be hard to come by with Horf, Aron, and Theis ahead of him. I guess it would depend on how quick he's able to grasp and execute the defensive scheme, which is difficult for a big. Theis got by mostly by giving full effort. I'd be surprised if Williams exceeds 400 minutes for the entire season if frontcourt is relatively injury-free.

Under 5 minutes a game on an 82-game schedule? I think they'd like him to have more. A good 15 minutes a game after midyear, for example, so he has the experience to be a useful club in Brad's playoff bag. Baynes and Theis don't necessarily need that many minutes and ol' man Horford should be tapered some in both minutes and games played to keep him fresh for the playoffs. I could see Williams averaging 15 minutes a game in 60 games, for a total of 900 minutes--if he stays healthy. The only thing that could really gum it up for him would be if Yabs came into SL with a slimmed down body and much improved game. Unfortunately, not too likely.

I see a lot of DNPs pre-ASB. Theis, Baynes, and Horford will take up almost all of the minutes at the 5. Theis, Horf, Morris, Hayward, Tatum, Ojeleye will take up all the minutes at the 4. Team's just too deep that there's no need to rush Williams. If Rob surprises and can defend at a decent level, he could see more action.

For reference, DeAndre Jordan played less than 800 minutes in his rookie year but on a 19-win team. Gobert less than 500 minutes on a 26-win team. Capela 90 minutes on a 56-win team.

[Dogen]

Robert talks to Abby:

https://www.nbcsports.com/boston/video/exclusive-1-1-interview-celtics-1st-round-pick-robert-williams

Says Scal "passed the torch" to him with #44.

[djFan71]

If everyone's healthy, minutes would be hard to come by with Horf, Aron, and Theis ahead of him. I guess it would depend on how quick he's able to grasp and execute the defensive scheme, which is difficult for a big. Theis got by mostly by giving full effort. I'd be surprised if Williams exceeds 400 minutes for the entire season if frontcourt is relatively injury-free.

Under 5 minutes a game on an 82-game schedule? I think they'd like him to have more. A good 15 minutes a game after midyear, for example, so he has the experience to be a useful club in Brad's playoff bag. Baynes and Theis don't necessarily need that many minutes and ol' man Horford should be tapered some in both minutes and games played to keep him fresh for the playoffs. I could see Williams averaging 15 minutes a game in 60 games, for a total of 900 minutes--if he stays healthy. The only thing that could really gum it up for him would be if Yabs came into SL with a slimmed down body and much improved game. Unfortunately, not too likely.

I see a lot of DNPs pre-ASB. Theis, Baynes, and Horford will take up almost all of the minutes at the 5. Theis, Horf, Morris, Hayward, Tatum, Ojeleye will take up all the minutes at the 4. Team's just too deep that there's no need to rush Williams. If Rob surprises and can defend at a decent level, he could see more action.

For reference, DeAndre Jordan played less than 800 minutes in his rookie year but on a 19-win team. Gobert less than 500 minutes on a 26-win team. Capela 90 minutes on a 56-win team.

I agree with this. Also, isn't there some concern with his knee? Though, Brad said he was already in working out - not sure if that's full on or rehab related or what. Guess we'll see how many minutes he logs in SL. I do wonder if this frees Danny up to include Theis in a deal. Hate to say that since I love what he brings, and you can never have too many mobile bigs. It's going to be really hard to sign him next summer with his piddly contract base and no cap room. Doubt Danny shops him or anything, but he could be an appealing part of a trade if need be and Robert's ready to get some minutes. Probably a slim chance, since we should really just stay loaded for the title chase, but you never know.

[cloverleaf]

Under 5 minutes a game on an 82-game schedule? I think they'd like him to have more. A good 15 minutes a game after midyear, for example, so he has the experience to be a useful club in Brad's playoff bag. Baynes and Theis don't necessarily need that many minutes and ol' man Horford should be tapered some in both minutes and games played to keep him fresh for the playoffs. I could see Williams averaging 15 minutes a game in 60 games, for a total of 900 minutes--if he stays healthy. The only thing that could really gum it up for him would be if Yabs came into SL with a slimmed down body and much improved game. Unfortunately, not too likely.

I see a lot of DNPs pre-ASB. Theis, Baynes, and Horford will take up almost all of the minutes at the 5. Theis, Horf, Morris, Hayward, Tatum, Ojeleye will take up all the minutes at the 4. Team's just too deep that there's no need to rush Williams. If Rob surprises and can defend at a decent level, he could see more action.

For reference, DeAndre Jordan played less than 800 minutes in his rookie year but on a 19-win team. Gobert less than 500 minutes on a 26-win team. Capela 90 minutes on a 56-win team.

I agree with this. Also, isn't there some concern with his knee? Though, Brad said he was already in working out - not sure if that's full on or rehab related or what. Guess we'll see how many minutes he logs in SL. I do wonder if this frees Danny up to include Theis in a deal. Hate to say that since I love what he brings, and you can never have too many mobile bigs. It's going to be really hard to sign him next summer with his piddly contract base and no cap room. Doubt Danny shops him or anything, but he could be an appealing part of a trade if need be and Robert's ready to get some minutes. Probably a slim chance, since we should really just stay loaded for the title chase, but you never know.

I have him DNPing in about half of the games for the first half of the year, playing every game after that. Yes, there were injuries last year, but come on--Brad played Nader for 522 minutes in 48 games, Semi got 1150 in 73 games, Larkin had 775 in 54. Surely he can scrape up 900 minutes over 60 games for Williams. Also, count me among the doubters as to Morris returning. Oh, and if Yabs waddles into SL (which I hope doesn't happen), he's at risk to be gone as well.

[ConstableGeneva]

I see a lot of DNPs pre-ASB. Theis, Baynes, and Horford will take up almost all of the minutes at the 5. Theis, Horf, Morris, Hayward, Tatum, Ojeleye will take up all the minutes at the 4. Team's just too deep that there's no need to rush Williams. If Rob surprises and can defend at a decent level, he could see more action.

For reference, DeAndre Jordan played less than 800 minutes in his rookie year but on a 19-win team. Gobert less than 500 minutes on a 26-win team. Capela 90 minutes on a 56-win team.

I agree with this. Also, isn't there some concern with his knee? Though, Brad said he was already in working out - not sure if that's full on or rehab related or what. Guess we'll see how many minutes he logs in SL. I do wonder if this frees Danny up to include Theis in a deal. Hate to say that since I love what he brings, and you can never have too many mobile bigs. It's going to be really hard to sign him next summer with his piddly contract base and no cap room. Doubt Danny shops him or anything, but he could be an appealing part of a trade if need be and Robert's ready to get some minutes. Probably a slim chance, since we should really just stay loaded for the title chase, but you never know.

I have him DNPing in about half of the games for the first half of the year, playing every game after that. Yes, there were injuries last year, but come on--Brad played Nader for 522 minutes in 48 games, Semi got 1150 in 73 games, Larkin had 775 in 54. Surely he can scrape up 900 minutes over 60 games for Williams. Also, count me among the doubters as to Morris returning. Oh, and if Yabs waddles into SL (which I hope doesn't happen), he's at risk to be gone as well.

Yep, we had injuries. Ravaged by them. 5,712 minutes between six main rotation guys. That's why end of bench guys got floor time.

Morris being gone changes the equation a bit but barring injuries (please basketball gods, spare us) or unless we consistently blow out teams, I just don't see Williams getting that much burn in his 1st yr.

[London2Boston]

I imagine He’ll get the majority of his game time when Horford is sitting out for rest and down the stretch of the season where most of the team will be.

[radcot]

If we actually get some blow-out wins this year (which I'm expecting), that would add to Williams' minutes total too. Gino didn't get anywhere near enough burn last year!

[Gant]

If we actually get some blow-out wins this year (which I'm expecting), that would add to Williams' minutes total too. Gino didn't get anywhere near enough burn last year!

The Red Claws had trouble widening the lead in the NBA.

[radcot]

If we actually get some blow-out wins this year (which I'm expecting), that would add to Williams' minutes total too. Gino didn't get anywhere near enough burn last year!

The Red Claws had trouble widening the lead in the NBA.

Let's hope they stay mainly in Maine this year!

[Homerclease]

If we actually get some blow-out wins this year (which I'm expecting), that would add to Williams' minutes total too. Gino didn't get anywhere near enough burn last year!

The Red Claws had trouble widening the lead in the NBA.

Nader won’t be on the team next year. Watching him play was like watching an auto wreck

[darrendaye]

Could go either way with Williams if there are no changes to the roster other than he, Wanamaker and Bird for Monroe, Larkin, and Nader. Best case for Williams would be if he learns the defensive system well enough to play, he might have enough skill level to move the ball well on offense, and find openings for garbage points. He seems to have a good idea where to find gaps in the defense. Want to see him active in drawing attention from the defense via movement away from the ball and seeking baseline cuts.

[Smog]

Could go either way with Williams if there are no changes to the roster other than he, Wanamaker and Bird for Monroe, Larkin, and Nader. Best case for Williams would be if he learns the defensive system well enough to play, he might have enough skill level to move the ball well on offense, and find openings for garbage points. He seems to have a good idea where to find gaps in the defense. Want to see him active in drawing attention from the defense via movement away from the ball and seeking baseline cuts.

Williams is a lot different from the other young players we’ve had in here in recent years, in that he doesn’t need much polish to be effective. If he learns the rotations and blocks shots and rebounds at anywhere near his college level, he’s good. He doesn’t need touches or help shooting the NBA three. He might be able to contribute a lot within a year, once they’ve built his body up enough.

[Darth Celtic]

If we actually get some blow-out wins this year (which I'm expecting), that would add to Williams' minutes total too. Gino didn't get anywhere near enough burn last year!

The Red Claws had trouble widening the lead in the NBA.

Nader won’t be on the team next year. Watching him play was like watching an auto wreck

Auto wrecks are middly amusing. Nader playing basketball is not.

[Fencer reregistered]

I'm not wholly comfortable with the unspecified lack of "maturity" and the controlling parents. If the parental approach in http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/celtics/2018/06/parents_of_robert_williams_consider_wait_worthwhile_for_maturity_of_their_son is called for, he was very immature indeed. If it wasn't, then he's being dominated by people with flawed judgment.

This could all work out fine, and indeed probably will ... but I'm a little worried until it does.

[cloverleaf]

I'm not wholly comfortable with the unspecified lack of "maturity" and the controlling parents. If the parental approach in http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/celtics/2018/06/parents_of_robert_williams_consider_wait_worthwhile_for_maturity_of_their_son is called for, he was very immature indeed. If it wasn't, then he's being dominated by people with flawed judgment.

This could all work out fine, and indeed probably will ... but I'm a little worried until it does.

Yeah, I picked on the controlling-dad thing too. Reminded me way too much of Sullinger's father. All about his control and decisions, etc. The kid almost a puppet in the dad show. Overbearing fathers tend to raise weakened sons.

[Leprechaun18]

Really like this pick and think its a big time heist! He has star potential IMO. Robert is a good kid and seems motivated to grind. He is a country boy and comes off a little diffferent than a city baller. Here is a link to his intro. [url]

Watch on YouTube

[/url]
It appears Danny and Brad like him also.

[cloverleaf]

I'm not wholly comfortable with the unspecified lack of "maturity" and the controlling parents. If the parental approach in http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/celtics/2018/06/parents_of_robert_williams_consider_wait_worthwhile_for_maturity_of_their_son is called for, he was very immature indeed. If it wasn't, then he's being dominated by people with flawed judgment.

This could all work out fine, and indeed probably will ... but I'm a little worried until it does.

Yeah, I picked on the controlling-dad thing too. Reminded me way too much of Sullinger's father. All about his control and decisions, etc. The kid almost a puppet in the dad show. Overbearing fathers tend to raise weakened sons.

Oh, and great--along with the "I'm in charge here"/preening dad, he's had a doubting mom:

Read on Twitter

I am quite hopeful that Danny and Brad will be a good next landing for Williams, just as they have been for TRo, Smart, etc.

[FlatearthZorro]

When does SL start?

[cloverleaf]

When does SL start?

Friday, at least for the C's.

[Wes-J]

I'm not wholly comfortable with the unspecified lack of "maturity" and the controlling parents. If the parental approach in http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/celtics/2018/06/parents_of_robert_williams_consider_wait_worthwhile_for_maturity_of_their_son is called for, he was very immature indeed. If it wasn't, then he's being dominated by people with flawed judgment.

This could all work out fine, and indeed probably will ... but I'm a little worried until it does.

Nailed it.