Every Celtics fan recalls those 25 games.
Between the end of January and late March of 2022, Robert Williams III averaged a double-double, leading a defensive system that transformed a previously struggling club into one of the most powerful defensive units in recent history. Williams served as the team’s free safety and anchor while Al Horford covered the opponent’s big man and long defenders rushed aggressively on the perimeter.
The Celtics appeared to be on the verge of a championship after winning 22 of their previous 25 games, but on the route to a 22-point victory over the Timberwolves, Williams injured his knee and exited the game in discomfort.
He tore his meniscus, and while a removal procedure got him back on the field for the postseason a few weeks later, swelling, agony, and discomfort plagued him until a clean-up surgery in the fall. In the NBA Finals, Boston won his minutes, but he couldn’t remain on the court long enough.
After a poor season in which he appeared in 20 of 35 games off the bench, he became the focus of the Jrue Holiday deal on Sunday, ending one of the most promising tenures of any modern Celtics draft pick with a large what if.
“I’ll probably be hiding somewhere else in ten years.” “Those are the most difficult phone calls,” Brad Stevens remarked. “It was a joy to watch Rob mature. He had a long way to go when he first arrived, but he had a fantastic attitude. He was an excellent teammate who improved significantly with time. I know Portland is overjoyed to have him, and that was difficult. It was quite difficult. Guys like Jrue Holiday are the only reason you’d consider moving on from someone like Rob.”
The move probably stunned Williams III, who had just finished a healthy, productive summer with his viral training sessions with Aaron Miller. Boston became home for a player who had previously refused to leave Louisiana to play AAU. He didn’t want to leave Texas A&M after adjusting to campus life. He now had to travel the country one day before training camp to transition from a championship contender to a rebuilding franchise.
Horford has been Williams III’s coach since his rookie year and has promised him that he will perform well in Portland. The Trail Blazers should allow him to play big minutes and expand his game without the pressure of winning, and given their early stages of rebuilding, an aggressive enough offer from a contender could entice Williams to go.
down the road from Portland. Nothing, however, can replace his bond with Jayson Tatum and the rest of the Boston Celtics. They recognized his potential and encouraged him to achieve greatness.
“Sad to hear about Malcolm and Rob,” Tatum said on Monday. “You spend a lot of time with guys over the course of a year or five years, right?” Then one day, they’re just on a new team, because there are so many genuine emotions and relationships involved. Same thing with Kristaps and the deal; we were thrilled to acquire him… but it was difficult to see Grant and Smart go. I spent my entire career with Smart, and that’s who I expected to spend my entire career with. He was the most adored Celtic on this team, the heart and soul. It’s going to happen.
Kristaps Porziis felt some grief with the deal as well, observing the charisma Williams III provided in the room in only two weeks. Williams III, like Tatum and Brown, began as a timid and shy adolescent whose voice and confidence blossomed. He chastised weak attempts and performances, and his honest news briefings — often bookended by “TWISS!” shoutouts to Boston’s long-serving public relations director — provided unending fun and an unrivaled lovable quality.
But Stevens had to do it, determining that while Williams III’s upside boosted Boston’s ceiling, counting on him to achieve that level consistently while remaining healthy lowered the team’s floor. The Celtics needed him to perform at his peak, establish himself as a starter, and extend his offensive repertoire. In the playoffs, he only made four starts, played 20 minutes per night, and attempted 4.3 shots. He passed less frequently. Joe Mazzulla advised him not to take any jump shots. In his limited offensive role, teammates failed to find him. His energy level fluctuated during various games. His athleticism suffered as well, and he never looked like the same athlete after two major surgeries.
“I feel like the ceiling, for me, is, there is no ceiling,” Williams III remarked in February. “This is especially true with the teammates I have. They truly supported me this year with my ailments, standing by my side and encouraging me to go back to the jump hooks or the short jump shots. They urge me to be myself.”
It’s easy to envision the move backfiring on the court. Moving Porziis to the center position on his own could be defensively challenging. Horford will have to shoulder a heavier burden to fill that job as well, especially if Porziis’ health fails again. Williams III could regain his form as one of the league’s most influential defenders in Portland or elsewhere, but if Holiday thrives as a Celtic and brings home even one title, it will appease an increasingly hungry fanbase and team for a ring.
Raising a banner without Williams, on the other hand, will feel strange. In 2022, he and the other outgoing players, particularly Smart, were on the verge of achieving that ambition. They resembled a bunch that might play together for a decade and win several titles because to Ime Udoka’s investment in their defensive capabilities. Celtics supporters were smitten by their potential and personalities.
That is what Boston will miss out on: doing things the enjoyable, native way. The most delightful manner would have been a luxury, something Stevens and Boston’s management lacked under the weight of expectations.
“I’ve seen him grow and (I’m) so grateful to have been able to play with him,” he said. “He’s such a great teammate, always thinking about the right things, always trying to play the right way, always being selfless.” He’s someone I had a lot of fun playing with. It was a lot of fun, and he’s a really kind man. I definitely wish him the best in the future, and he is a professional. I know it’s difficult for him, but I know he’ll be alright.”
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