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Robert Williams Not Off to a Great Start in Boston

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Robert Williams Hasn’t Made the Best Entrance in Boston

Robert Williams…it’s been rough so far. The first-round draft pick missed his introductory conference call because he overslept. Though he eventually did connect with the team and with media, it wasn’t a great start. Then today, reports surfaced that Williams missed the first Summer League practice with the team-because he missed his flight to Boston. Jay Larranaga, the Celtics’ Summer League team coach, told media that the team was disappointed in Williams, but will handle the matter internally.

Come on now, Robert. You’d think that after one mishap like this occurred, he would have learned his lesson. This now marks two instances in which simple negligence led to a headache for the team. It’s no coincidence that one of the big question marks for Williams before he was drafted was his work ethic. It’s now concerning to see this occurring from Williams again. However, there’s no doubt that Danny Ainge and Brad Stevens knew what they were getting into when they chose him. Hopefully, they can whip him into shape soon.

This isn’t the biggest problem in the world. Remember when Marcus Smart punched a picture in a hotel and was out for weeks? This isn’t nearly as bad as that. It just isn’t something you want to see from a guy in his first few weeks with the team, especially not after the oversleeping incident. This was Williams’ first team activity in Boston, and he missed out because of mistakes of his own accord. He can’t keep pulling stuff like this if he wants to make a good impression on the team and the fans. He should be present at the next team practice, as he was en route to the facilities, according to recent reports. If he performs well in Las Vegas, people will soon forget about his shaky start with the franchise.

Image via NBA.com

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Celtics Select Robert Williams in NBA Draft

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The Pick

Boston has chosen Robert Williams at pick 27 tonight, their first and only selection in this year’s draft. Throughout the day, rumors flew concerning the Celtics trading up to select in a lottery pick. However, Danny Ainge decided to stay put at the end of the first round.

Williams is a big from Texas A&M. At 6’9 and 237 pounds, he primarily played the four spot in college, but will likely play the center position in the NBA. Williams is freakishly athletic with a massive 7’6 wingspan. He’s a stupendous shot blocker, and will add to the team’s already stifling defense. His offensive game is in development, but at his size, he should be able to play well around the rim.

Multiple sources said that Williams could have been selected with a lottery pick. However, concerns about his work ethic reportedly detracted from his stock. He was also suspended for the first two games of the season by A&M for an unspecified violation of team rules. There was some uncertainty surrounding the health of his knee as well. However, his ceiling is high, and if he puts in the work he could contribute in his rookie season, much like the last two first-round selections before him.

What It Means for the Team

Williams obviously won’t start this year ahead of Al Horford. However, this selection puts the jobs of Aron Baynes and Greg Monroe in jeopardy. Monroe’s future in Boston was already uncertain, and this move now makes him seem to be the odd man out. Baynes’ role seems more secure. As of this writing, Keith Smith reports that the Celtics still are fixated on resigning him. However, should the team decide that they want to go a new direction, Baynes could also find himself with a new team. It is also possible that Williams could be included in a trade package come July. With so many big names in play, Williams’ value could prove tantalizing to other teams.

For now, however, Brad Stevens will work hard to fit him right in with the already cohesive unit. It is likely that WIlliams’ first appearance in a Celtics jersey will come during the 2018 Summer League. He will wear number 44, the jersey last worn by fan favorite Brian Scalabrine. Hopefully, fans will become drawn to the new teammate in the same way. Welcome to Boston, Robert Williams!

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