Robert Williams has been injured for quite some time now. He hasn’t played in a game since December 6 against the Denver Nuggets. Williams has played in 19 games so far this season and averages 4 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 block in about 14 minutes per game. The Time Lord has recently started to practice again after nursing a hip injury for 3 months. He says he feels good, and hopes to be back very soon.
Since Williams has been out, Enes Kanter has done a great job off the bench. He’s been a consistent spark for the C’s when he comes in the game. This season, Kanter has been able to average 9 points and 8 rebounds in 18 minutes per game. Enes has career highs in total rebounding percentage at 23.7%, and defensive rebounding percentage at 30.4%. He’s been a rebounding machine for the Celtics, and it’s going to make it very hard for Williams to crack the rotation when he returns.
The great thing about the Celtics’ centers is that they all bring different things to the table. Daniel Theis has been nothing short of solid in the starting role this season. He’s been able to fit perfectly with the other starters, quietly pulling down rebounds and blocking shots. Theis has even had some solid individual games himself when other starters don’t score as much. Kanter of course has been great on the offensive glass and once again provides a spark off the bench when the C’s need some scoring. Robert Williams brings a lot of athleticism. He’s able to block shots, rebound and throw down alley oops with ease.
Time Lord probably won’t see a ton of minutes when he does come back. Brad Stevens will likely use each player based on the opposition and situation. Theis will still start of course, Kanter will most likely still get his regular minutes, especially when the Celtics need some bench scoring, and Williams will see time when the paint is looking vulnerable.
I’ve heard a lot of talk about using all three centers in games against teams with dominant bigs. Milwaukee, Philly, and maybe even the Lakers might require the Celtics to use all 18 of their big man fouls. It’d definitely make things much more difficult for players like Joel Embiid, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Anthony Davis to have to get fouled that many times. The versatility between the three Celtics’ centers would make it more difficult for opposing defenses as well. They’d constantly have to adjust to the Celtics’ three headed monster. They’ll have to defend against Theis’s ability to stretch the floor, Kanter’s offensive rebounding, and Williams’s ability to be a safety valve at the rim.
It’ll be a nice relief to have Robert Williams back if for no other reason than to add more depth. It’ll give the C’s more options so they can rest players leading up to the playoffs. They definitely have had their fair share of injuries this year and won’t be looking to add anymore for the playoffs.
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