Brad Stevens, Boston Celtics
Getty
Brad Stevens, Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics are proving their doubters wrong. In what was supposed to be a gap year, Joe Mazzulla’s team currently sits third in the Eastern Conference with the second-best offensive rating in the NBA.
It’s clear that if Boston can continue on its current trajectory, then a deep playoff push could be on the agenda. However, Brad Stevens may need to improve the center rotation in order for that agenda to become a reality.
During the summer, Boston lost Kristaps Porzingis via trade, along with Al Horford and Luke Kornet, in free agency. And, while Neemias Queta and Luka Garza have both impressed, Mazzulla will need at least one more big man to help anchor the paint.
According to Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix, who was speaking via ‘NBA on NBC,’ Stevens could look toward Robert Williams III to help plug that gap.
“And Robert Williams…That would be somebody who could fit right into what the Celtics are doing,” Mannix said. “He’s got familiarity with the personnel. He’s been very close over the years with Jayson Tatum. You know, that’s somebody that I think the Celtics will be keeping their eye on and maybe talking to Portland about in the weeks and months ahead, or I guess weeks really only ahead.”
Williams spent five seasons with the Celtics between 2018 and 2023. His shot-blocking and above-the-rim finishing would be ideal for the way the Celtics are currently playing. Furthermore, when healthy, he emerged as one of the best defensive bigs in the NBA, providing shot-blocking and shot deterrence.
Robert Williams’ Injury History Would Be A Concern
Williams has struggled with his availability throughout his career. However, his time with the Portland Trail Blazers has been significantly derailed due to injury.
In his first season with Portland, Williams played in just six games. The explosive forward suited up just 20 times last season, too. Throughout an eight-year NBA career, where he would undoubtedly have been a key rotation player, Williams has managed just 261 games.
Stevens would need to weigh up the risk and reward of re-acquiring Williams ahead of the trade deadline.
Luke Kornet Explains Why He Left The Celtics
Boston wouldn’t be in the hunt for a new center if they’d have kept one of their championship-winning trio. Luke Kornet was arguably the most logical talent Stevens should have tried to keep around.
Nevertheless, Kornet received a significant pay rise from the San Antonio Spurs, signing a four-year $40 million contract.
When speaking with the media ahead of Boston’s 100-95 loss to San Antonio on Saturday, Jan. 10, Kornet explained why he opted to make the move to the Western Conference.
“Ultimately, it was kind of between here and Boston,” Kornet said. “I feel like, obviously there were a lot of conversations with my wife and honestly a lot of prayer and realization of where we are in life, and it was very, very difficult to leave. A lot of relationships.”
Kornet continued.
“But I think, kind of feeling we’re in a different part of life and kind of being open to wherever God willed us and wherever it took us. You sort of accept it and take that step forward.”
With Kornet out of the picture, bringing Williams back into the fold could make sense. He’s familiar with the core group of players, has experience playing in Boston and worked with Joe Mazzulla when he was an assistant on both Brad Stevens and Ime Udoka’s staff.
Whether Boston believes the benefits outweigh Williams’ injury risk, will remain to be seen.