“Robert Williams will be back by Christmas” – NBA insider believes return of Williams will close all gaps on defensive end for Celtics
Boston Celtics center Robert Williams III could be returning before Christmas, according to a new report. Williams, who's wildly regarded as the best rim defender in the NBA, will be a huge boost for Boston.
What Williams also does well is pose as a lob threat on offense. It would be tough to argue that he's as big of an impact on the offensive side, but he's still more than competent offensively. Boston (13-4) has had guys like Al Horford and Grant Williams step up. However, getting Robert Williams back will be huge for the Celtics and both of those guys.
Robert Williams had knee surgery in September and has responded well to the treatment.
“That gives him another month here, he’s progressing well on his rehab,” NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski said on ESPN’s "NBA Countdown." “This is a player who had two surgeries in the last calendar year. They certainly want to take their time. Even without him, the Celtics have the best record in the NBA.”
Celtics getting even better with Robert Williams
It's tough to imagine the Boston Celtics being even better than they already are. Most regard them as the best team in the NBA. However, adding arguably the best rim protector in basketball is always going to help a team.
Boston Celtics superstar forward Jayson Tatum had a lot of praise for his center:
“We’ll be that much better of a team. That’s how important Rob is to our group. I can’t stress enough how important he is to the offensive end, defensive end, his presence, lob threat, protecting the rim and his ability to pass the ball. Obviously, we miss him, but we don’t want to rush him back because we want to win when it matters most.”
There are likely still obstacles that Williams will have to clear. Returning from a knee injury is never an easy task, so even if it isn't by Christmas, that would likely be the reason why. If anything bothers Williams, Boston wouldn't risk another injury to put him back out there.
Robert Williams spoke about his return and seemed to be in good spirits:
“That’s why I’m smiling. We’re checking off all the boxes as I go through this, getting closer to getting back.”
Robert Williams missed multiple games throughout the playoffs last season, when Boston lost in the NBA Finals to the Golden State Warriors. Perhaps a healthy Williams could've been the edge that Boston needed. The Celtics have a chance to get back to that same spot this season and hopefully for them, this time around, he will be healthy.
Let's see what Boston can do toward Christmas as they get their elite center back. He's going to be a huge help against a team like the Milwaukee Bucks with Giannis Antetokounmpo, who's a force at the rim.