Getty Robert Williams III #44, Al Horford #42 and Derrick White #9, Boston Celtics
Since returning to the Boston Celtics on December 16, Robert Williams III has looked more and more like his old self. On January 7, Williams put up 10 points, 11 rebounds, four blocks, three assists and two steals against San Antonio Spurs, which included one play in which he blocked a shot that led to a fastbreak layup.
Williams’ elevated play has led to calls for him to be re-inserted in Boston’s starting lineup, even if it comes at the expense of five-time All-Star Al Horford, MassLive’s Brian Robb wrote in a January 8 article.
This sequence from Robert Williams III was 🔥
He soared off the ground to reject Malaki Branham’s three, then took it coast-to-coast for the finger roll!
“Williams is the far better defender than Horford at this stage of his career, and while he struggles in the post against some bigs, the energy he gives the starting five was on display during the past few weeks,” Robb noted.
Robb added that such a lineup change, which would be far more drastic than the traditional move of Williams taking Derrick White’s slot in the starting five, could also help the Celtics manage both Horford’s and Williams’ minutes.
“Giving Boston’s starting five a rim runner will help balance the floor for that group while also keeping the door open for 48 minutes at center for Horford/Williams every night,” he wrote.
Since coming into the NBA in 2007, Horford has started in all but 10 of his regular season appearances, having come off the bench in four games for the Atlanta Hawks during his rookie season and six games for the Philadelphia 76ers during his lone season with them (2019-20).
Jayson Tatum Wants Williams to Start
After the Celtics defeated the Spurs, Jayson Tatum singled out Williams for how he played against San Antonio. In doing so, Tatum also revealed that he would like to see Williams back in the starting lineup, though he also made it clear that he simply wants Williams to be on the court above all else.
“Whether he starts or comes off the bench, [I] just want him on the floor,” Tatum said. “[I] want him healthy. And want to be on the floor with him at the same time as much as possible. So, you know, I’m gonna start, so I would like Rob to start, but, you know, whatever’s best for the team, he’ll do that. And, you know, as much as I can be on the court with him as possible, you know, I think [that] makes us better.”
“I asked him, ‘are you still on minute restriction?’ and he was like ‘nah.’
and I was like ‘well get your ass back in the game.'”
Jayson Tatum talks about wanting as much time as possible on the floor with Rob Williams 🗣️ #BleedGreen
For Williams to be re-inserted into the starting lineup, someone will have to be demoted to a bench role, with the most likely candidates being Horford and Derrick White.
Robert Williams Sounds Off on His Bench Role
After the Spurs game, Williams said he was OK with whatever role the Celtics want him to play, whether that’s starting or coming off the bench.
“I’m here for whatever. Obviously, they’re trying to be careful, you know, make the smart decision. And, if the guys out there are rolling, they rolling. So, whether it’s 12 or, like you said, 30 [minutes], I’m there,” Williams said. “I enjoy playing the game. Coming off the bench, I feel like I’ve been able to be decisive on where we need to insert energy, just watching everything. But, like I said, whether it’s starting or coming off the bench, I’m there.”
“Coming off the bench I feel like I’ve been able to be decisive on where we need to insert energy.”
Rob Williams talks coming off the bench and managing his minutes #Celtics
For the past two years, Williams has gotten hurt late in the season, affecting the Celtics’ playoff run each time. Whichever route they go with him for the rest of the regular season, the Celtics must ensure that he will be healthy when the postseason comes around.