The truth for Williams is that the restricted free agent market is generally a tough spot for a role player like him given the limited cap room available for other teams to spend and an unwillingness for teams to put out offer sheets that could tie up their flexibility. The Celtics already knew this leading to their stance in negotiations but they now protect themselves further by having their top two bigs in Horford and Rob Williams locked up. Boston will want to keep Williams but they can feel better about doing so on their terms.
Robert Williams Rumors
All NBA Players
Position: F-C
Born: 10/17/97
Height: 6-8 / 2.03
Weight:237 lbs. / 107.5 kg.
Salary: $10,937,502
Born: 10/17/97
Height: 6-8 / 2.03
Weight:237 lbs. / 107.5 kg.
Salary: $10,937,502
Barry Jackson: Everyone active for Heat tonight except Jimmy (hope remains he joins team tomorrow), Oladipo, Dedmon and Yurtseven. Celtics without Robert Williams (and Gallinari) so far this season due to injury.
Jared Weiss: Rob Williams is back scrimmaging at Celtics practice pic.twitter.com/gHCHkMRPQI
Their defensive rating, which is a measure of points allowed per possession, ranked 14th in the league entering Tuesday. But over their past eight games, the Celtics have produced a top-10 defense — a sign of growth as they lean into Mazzulla’s up-tempo style while compensating for the injury absence of Robert Williams III, their starting center. “Our offense is so good that it hides some of our defensive flaws,” Marcus Smart, the team’s starting point guard, said in an interview. “But we’re continuously out here working, and it’s only going to get better with time.”
Doncic said another reason for his high praise of Boston is that the Celtics have managed to post the NBA’s best record with center Robert Williams III missing the entire season so far following September knee surgery. “They have one of the best records and they’re missing I think a key guy, Williams III,” Doncic said. “I am impressed by his game, have always liked his game. So with him being out, and them having this record, that’s why I said that.”
“The Nets need an upgrade at center with Joel Embiid, Bam Adebayo, Robert Williams, and other centers lurking in the East,” an NBA scout told HoopsHype. Other Eastern Conference centers not mentioned include Jarrett Allen, Brook Lopez, and Clint Capela. If the Nets are going to upgrade their frontcourt, it could come at the expense of one of their shooters, Joe Harris or Seth Curry.
Abby Chin: Just reported @NBCSBoston: Rob Williams told me pregame the timeline for his return from knee surgery remains unchanged. But, so far, no setbacks! He’s cleared for non-contact drills and was able to scrimmage against asst coaches after shoot around today.
