The Time Lord: Welcome Robert Williams!

[Tiny ball]

Yep--and of course he is still only 20.

(Interesting that he'll be able to buy a drink in a bar this year and Tatum won't.)

The thing is that he doesn't even have to get more offense than that mastered in order to potentially be valuable on this team this year.

I wonder how the team is approaching his development - is he going to be rushed because he fills a need? Why not give him the Rozier treatment and have him spend the whole year in Maine working on his shot or his system play?

That wasn't the Rozier treatment. Terry played in 39 games for an average of 8 minutes per game as a rookie. If that is what Rob earns on a more stacked team, I'll be fine with it. That was enough experience for TRo to get in 99 minutes of pretty decent postseason play over 5 games for a team that only made it for 6 games.

Plus he played in the playoffs like you stated. I would be real happy with that but more minutes and games as So many easy wins.

[Shak_Celts]

When has CBS ever rushed a rookie? Weren't people talking about not letting Tatum loose last season? You can have the tools to fill a thousand needs but if you can't actually do it or you aren't ready for the load, CBS will ease you into it so you can be ready for when it really matters, the playoffs! I trust CBS will play the guy who should be played the right amount, when they are ready. Ask Tatum how many times he was yanked when CBS felt he wasn't playing to expectations, it didn't matter how good the kid was, it mattered that he got the messages so he could sustain his best when it counted, it seemed to work in the playoffs and that was only the tip of the iceberg!

[Homerclease]

When has CBS ever rushed a rookie? Weren't people talking about not letting Tatum loose last season? You can have the tools to fill a thousand needs but if you can't actually do it or you aren't ready for the load, CBS will ease you into it so you can be ready for when it really matters, the playoffs! I trust CBS will play the guy who should be played the right amount, when they are ready. Ask Tatum how many times he was yanked when CBS felt he wasn't playing to expectations, it didn't matter how good the kid was, it mattered that he got the messages so he could sustain his best when it counted, it seemed to work in the playoffs and that was only the tip of the iceberg!

Also worth noting that Jaylen Brown was first off the bench his rookie year on what was deemed to be a deep team. If Williams proves he can handle it then he’s gonna play. He gives this team something none of the rest of their bigs can offer

[cloverleaf]

When has CBS ever rushed a rookie? Weren't people talking about not letting Tatum loose last season? You can have the tools to fill a thousand needs but if you can't actually do it or you aren't ready for the load, CBS will ease you into it so you can be ready for when it really matters, the playoffs! I trust CBS will play the guy who should be played the right amount, when they are ready. Ask Tatum how many times he was yanked when CBS felt he wasn't playing to expectations, it didn't matter how good the kid was, it mattered that he got the messages so he could sustain his best when it counted, it seemed to work in the playoffs and that was only the tip of the iceberg!

Also worth noting that Jaylen Brown was first off the bench his rookie year on what was deemed to be a deep team. If Williams proves he can handle it then he’s gonna play. He gives this team something none of the rest of their bigs can offer

JB only 8th on the team in minutes his rookie year--but he started a surprising 20 games.

[Homerclease]

When has CBS ever rushed a rookie? Weren't people talking about not letting Tatum loose last season? You can have the tools to fill a thousand needs but if you can't actually do it or you aren't ready for the load, CBS will ease you into it so you can be ready for when it really matters, the playoffs! I trust CBS will play the guy who should be played the right amount, when they are ready. Ask Tatum how many times he was yanked when CBS felt he wasn't playing to expectations, it didn't matter how good the kid was, it mattered that he got the messages so he could sustain his best when it counted, it seemed to work in the playoffs and that was only the tip of the iceberg!

Also worth noting that Jaylen Brown was first off the bench his rookie year on what was deemed to be a deep team. If Williams proves he can handle it then he’s gonna play. He gives this team something none of the rest of their bigs can offer

JB only 8th on the team in minutes his rookie year--but he started a surprising 20 games.

He was the first guy off the bench in game 1 of the regular season in his rookie year.

[Shak_Celts]

Also worth noting that Jaylen Brown was first off the bench his rookie year on what was deemed to be a deep team. If Williams proves he can handle it then he’s gonna play. He gives this team something none of the rest of their bigs can offer

JB only 8th on the team in minutes his rookie year--but he started a surprising 20 games.

He was the first guy off the bench in game 1 of the regular season in his rookie year.

There hasn't been one ounce of question of who CBS will play when they are ready to. He just won't play people who aren't. He yanked JB many times when he didn't look good. He didn't play guys who everyone wanted him to and it turns out he was right about all of them. He didn't even play Yabu many minutes when we were begging for big man help! You have to be able to contribute, it doesn't matter what skill you possess if it doesn't translate. I believe in Williams and think we stole one but that isn't issue. Someone mentioned CBS forcing him because of his skill set and I don't see why he would when that isn't in his history.

[Domenico]

I didn’t mean their value is low, I meant it’s not clear whether an offensively limited rim protector who dominates the boards is still the ideal center type, or if it’s better to have five players who can stretch the floor and make plays.

Think swapping Horford for Drummond, or Towns. There’s no prototypical center right now - who’s trading for Hassan Whiteside?

How is Williams offensively limited?

Compared to Horford or to Drummond? For now, he is limited in his ways of scoring. On the other hand, he might be the missing link.

[Joshyjess]

While watching the game last night, it hit me who Robert Williams really is - he's the Anti-Jordan Mickey! A few years ago, i was on the Jordan Mickey band wagon. He looked like a guy who had all the tools to be a great shot blocker and inside scorer. Yet after a few seasons, it became extremely obvious that he just wasn't ever going to live up to the expectations we had for him. Such a disappointment.
Now, we have this kid Williams. After only a couple of games, I've seen more out of him than I did in a couple of seasons with Mickey. This kid looks like he might be the real deal. He has an amazing ability to always be involved in the play, he has already made some incredible blocks, and just his presence is already causing players to change their shots (in the final play of the game last night, Monk had a chance to take the final shot, but when he saw Williams approaching, he quickly changed his mind and passed it to Bridges).
After getting burned by Mickey, I'm hesitant to hope that the C's finally have that shot blocking guy that we haven't had in so long, but watching this kid play, he might just be that guy - that Anti-Mickey!

[sam_I_am]

/\
Agree with Mickey observation. RW has similar shot blocking instincts and agility but his length and legit defensive ability are on a whole ‘nother level.

[Parliament10]

I didn’t mean their value is low, I meant it’s not clear whether an offensively limited rim protector who dominates the boards is still the ideal center type, or if it’s better to have five players who can stretch the floor and make plays.

Think swapping Horford for Drummond, or Towns. There’s no prototypical center right now - who’s trading for Hassan Whiteside?

How is Williams offensively limited?

Compared to Horford or to Drummond? For now, he is limited in his ways of scoring. On the other hand, he might be the missing link.

The Williams Kid comes on very well. -- I think that this Kid is Fantastic.
Only time will tell. -- Yet, he does shows signs of Brilliance.

Celtics will play him, until his Knee Circulation ailment makes it necessary to have the operation.
From there on, it's up to this young man.

Reminds me of Sullinger's Back ailment. Only Sully let his weight get in the way.
Williams also has his share of drawbacks. But seems to be eager to correct them.

[24istheLAW]

When has CBS ever rushed a rookie? Weren't people talking about not letting Tatum loose last season? You can have the tools to fill a thousand needs but if you can't actually do it or you aren't ready for the load, CBS will ease you into it so you can be ready for when it really matters, the playoffs! I trust CBS will play the guy who should be played the right amount, when they are ready. Ask Tatum how many times he was yanked when CBS felt he wasn't playing to expectations, it didn't matter how good the kid was, it mattered that he got the messages so he could sustain his best when it counted, it seemed to work in the playoffs and that was only the tip of the iceberg!

Also worth noting that Jaylen Brown was first off the bench his rookie year on what was deemed to be a deep team. If Williams proves he can handle it then he’s gonna play. He gives this team something none of the rest of their bigs can offer

The "Stevens doesn't play rookies" meme is so overblown.

Jayson Tatum 30.5 MPG
Marcus Smart 27.0 MPG
Jaylen Brown 17.2 MPG
Semi Ojeleye 15.8 MPG

[CeltsfaninDC]

idk why we want him doing anything offensively(ever?) besides rim rolling off of picks and getting occasional offensive rebound putbacks

Ya Im with you on this. Many on here know I am a Williams cheer leader on these boards. The dude is really bad offensively. He just doesnt have any moves that will be effective against NBA competition. You dont need all 5 guys on the court to be versatile offensive players to have a star studded offense. Bogut was getting about 25mpg the first season GS won it all, GS last year for the majority of the game one of Zaza/Bell/Looney were in there for 30+ minutes. Jordan Bell is probably going to get 20+ minutes a game this year. Capela last year was getting 27mpg on that elite offense in HOU.

Being a lob threat and nothing much more can still be a really effective offensive weapon on the right team. Just look at per 36 numbers for McGee the last 2 years in GS, the dude was a 23 point scorer per 36 his first year in GS. It was just because of him being that lob threat while being surrounded by stud offensive players, he became this huge threat offensively, just for his lobs.

Ideally you want Williams spending almost all his effort on defense and rebounding, on offense he is basically just screening. This is never going to be a guy you want putting the ball on the floor and creating for himself. His jumper is a long ways away, I think best case is in his prime his jumper might be like Baynes. Williams is the guy that doesnt need a single shot to make a huge impact on the game, that is the perfect fit when surrounded by guys like Kyrie/Hayward/Tatum.

So he’s DeAndre Jordan...... whats wrong with that?

[Duke4life831]

idk why we want him doing anything offensively(ever?) besides rim rolling off of picks and getting occasional offensive rebound putbacks

Ya Im with you on this. Many on here know I am a Williams cheer leader on these boards. The dude is really bad offensively. He just doesnt have any moves that will be effective against NBA competition. You dont need all 5 guys on the court to be versatile offensive players to have a star studded offense. Bogut was getting about 25mpg the first season GS won it all, GS last year for the majority of the game one of Zaza/Bell/Looney were in there for 30+ minutes. Jordan Bell is probably going to get 20+ minutes a game this year. Capela last year was getting 27mpg on that elite offense in HOU.

Being a lob threat and nothing much more can still be a really effective offensive weapon on the right team. Just look at per 36 numbers for McGee the last 2 years in GS, the dude was a 23 point scorer per 36 his first year in GS. It was just because of him being that lob threat while being surrounded by stud offensive players, he became this huge threat offensively, just for his lobs.

Ideally you want Williams spending almost all his effort on defense and rebounding, on offense he is basically just screening. This is never going to be a guy you want putting the ball on the floor and creating for himself. His jumper is a long ways away, I think best case is in his prime his jumper might be like Baynes. Williams is the guy that doesnt need a single shot to make a huge impact on the game, that is the perfect fit when surrounded by guys like Kyrie/Hayward/Tatum.

So he’s DeAndre Jordan...... whats wrong with that?

Absolutely nothing. Again I think a Jordan would be a perfect fit for you guys. I'm very high on Williams, I had him at I think at #10 on draft night.

I don't think you guys need any offense (maybe solid passing) from the 5. You want a guy that can give you 25-28 minutes of elite rebounding and defense. I think he can definitely be that guy. For the right team, that is huge value.

[VeryMuchWoke]

Naw, DeAndre is actually a bad defensive player. Williams will be stellar. The proper comp is Clint Capella.

[Afam]

Read on Twitter

[Afam]

It is all up to Robert Williams.

[jfs1000d]

When has CBS ever rushed a rookie? Weren't people talking about not letting Tatum loose last season? You can have the tools to fill a thousand needs but if you can't actually do it or you aren't ready for the load, CBS will ease you into it so you can be ready for when it really matters, the playoffs! I trust CBS will play the guy who should be played the right amount, when they are ready. Ask Tatum how many times he was yanked when CBS felt he wasn't playing to expectations, it didn't matter how good the kid was, it mattered that he got the messages so he could sustain his best when it counted, it seemed to work in the playoffs and that was only the tip of the iceberg!

Dude. This is simple. Brad will play him if he can prove that he is the best option. Right now, at the 5 we have Horford, Baynes, Theis with Yabs also a 4/5.

I could see Williams out there with Horfie at the 4 and Williams running to the rim on misses.

He will play if he is better than Theis and Yabs. He is going to sit over Theis and Yabs until he shows he can provide more production than them. I dont' see him taking minutes from Horford or Baynes. So, his only option is to take Theis and Yabs' minutes.

I am all for that. Tatum earned his minutes as a rookie through his play. Semi played because he earned his minutes. Rozier has earned every minute that he has ever played. Brown didn't get force fed, he earned his minutes.

Brad doesn't play lesser player to "develop them." In the NBA, the best players hit the floor. We don't have time to watch Williams learn on the job. He has to be ready to contribute the moment he steps on the floor.

AND....THIS Is good for him. It will help him become a professional.

[celticfan42487]

When has CBS ever rushed a rookie? Weren't people talking about not letting Tatum loose last season? You can have the tools to fill a thousand needs but if you can't actually do it or you aren't ready for the load, CBS will ease you into it so you can be ready for when it really matters, the playoffs! I trust CBS will play the guy who should be played the right amount, when they are ready. Ask Tatum how many times he was yanked when CBS felt he wasn't playing to expectations, it didn't matter how good the kid was, it mattered that he got the messages so he could sustain his best when it counted, it seemed to work in the playoffs and that was only the tip of the iceberg!

Dude. This is simple. Brad will play him if he can prove that he is the best option. Right now, at the 5 we have Horford, Baynes, Theis with Yabs also a 4/5.

I could see Williams out there with Horfie at the 4 and Williams running to the rim on misses.

He will play if he is better than Theis and Yabs. He is going to sit over Theis and Yabs until he shows he can provide more production than them. I dont' see him taking minutes from Horford or Baynes. So, his only option is to take Theis and Yabs' minutes.

I am all for that. Tatum earned his minutes as a rookie through his play. Semi played because he earned his minutes. Rozier has earned every minute that he has ever played. Brown didn't get force fed, he earned his minutes.

Brad doesn't play lesser player to "develop them." In the NBA, the best players hit the floor. We don't have time to watch Williams learn on the job. He has to be ready to contribute the moment he steps on the floor.

AND....THIS Is good for him. It will help him become a professional.

And theoretically going small ball... I mean Williams theoretically has the shot blocking and recovery skills and athelticism to cover the perimeter players better than any big we have.

Not sure how he is as a rebounder but we will need help there too playing a SF at PF all year long.

I say let him earn it, if he hasn't earned it then **** it. He's not a priority develop guy. He has 2 terrible leg conditions and the head of a brick. He's a shot against the wall that may work out, let it happen or just be happy we took our shot and we'll take another one next draft.

[Homerclease]

When has CBS ever rushed a rookie? Weren't people talking about not letting Tatum loose last season? You can have the tools to fill a thousand needs but if you can't actually do it or you aren't ready for the load, CBS will ease you into it so you can be ready for when it really matters, the playoffs! I trust CBS will play the guy who should be played the right amount, when they are ready. Ask Tatum how many times he was yanked when CBS felt he wasn't playing to expectations, it didn't matter how good the kid was, it mattered that he got the messages so he could sustain his best when it counted, it seemed to work in the playoffs and that was only the tip of the iceberg!

Dude. This is simple. Brad will play him if he can prove that he is the best option. Right now, at the 5 we have Horford, Baynes, Theis with Yabs also a 4/5.

I could see Williams out there with Horfie at the 4 and Williams running to the rim on misses.

He will play if he is better than Theis and Yabs. He is going to sit over Theis and Yabs until he shows he can provide more production than them. I dont' see him taking minutes from Horford or Baynes. So, his only option is to take Theis and Yabs' minutes.

I am all for that. Tatum earned his minutes as a rookie through his play. Semi played because he earned his minutes. Rozier has earned every minute that he has ever played. Brown didn't get force fed, he earned his minutes.

Brad doesn't play lesser player to "develop them." In the NBA, the best players hit the floor. We don't have time to watch Williams learn on the job. He has to be ready to contribute the moment he steps on the floor.

AND....THIS Is good for him. It will help him become a professional.

And theoretically going small ball... I mean Williams theoretically has the shot blocking and recovery skills and athelticism to cover the perimeter players better than any big we have.

Not sure how he is as a rebounder but we will need help there too playing a SF at PF all year long.

I say let him earn it, if he hasn't earned it then **** it. He's not a priority develop guy. He has 2 terrible leg conditions and the head of a brick. He's a shot against the wall that may work out, let it happen or just be happy we took our shot and we'll take another one next draft.

Williams was one of the best rebounders in college last year. It’s one of his strengths

[87rottweiler]

Major upside to this kid is his potential to extend Horford’s Celtic career

If he can soak up a bunch of the regular season minutes and Brad can keep Al fresh for end of games and playoffs, we’ll be that much more deadly

Too early to call, but I think he’ll be a favourite of mine pretty soon


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