Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here… highlighting the big storyline. Because there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
“I just think we can make it so that he can play more, and more and more as the season goes on,” Stevens said. “Again, the density of the games and his history, especially last year, we’re just being conservative. But he’s getting a lot better. You can see that. And he’s able to play a little bit longer stints than he has in the past, because he plays really hard when he’s out there. So that’s all encouraging.”
“To be honest, obviously I want as many minutes as I can get,” Williams said.
Increasingly, he’s earning them. Pace-adjusted stats aren’t always reliable, but Williams is averaging 15.7 points, 13.4 rebounds, and 3.7 blocks per 36 minutes. He has never played more than 23:04, however — a 10-point output in the Celtics’ win over the Raptors immediately before the All-Star break.
“It’s just obviously a great confidence booster,” Williams said. “Obviously the best ability is availability, shout out to [Danny Ainge] for always telling me that. But like I said, it’s a big blessing just to be able to go out there every day and run.”
After last night’s 134-107 blowout win against the hapless Rockets and another brilliant performance by Rob Williams (16 points, 7-7 FG, 13 rebounds, 2 blocks in 19 minutes) Brad Stevens toed the company line when asked about Rob’s limited action.
But Rob isn’t making it easy and at some point, you gotta take off the training wheels and let the kid fly.
Williams is averaging 20 mpg in March, about 5 minutes higher than previous monthly averages this season. So Brad has been true to his word.
But Rob’s earned himself at least 25 minutes per game. Look, I’m not a doctor, but I have a hard time accepting the premise that an extra 5 minutes per game, or 15-20 minutes per week, poses some type of risk to this kid’s hip. Really?
It’s not just the dunks and blocks. How many centers not named Nikola Jokic are making this pass?
44 → 36 pic.twitter.com/c7DfjvIOvm
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) March 15, 2021
I like Daniel Theis. I also like Tristan Thompson. But it’s obvious that neither is as remotely talented as Williams. I have a sneaky suspicion that in addition to being concerned with Rob’s hip, the Celtics are managing egos.
My strategy is simple. Play. Rob. More.
On Page 2, Jayson Tatum’s circus shot.
Wild that Tatum makes this look easy lol pic.twitter.com/rINIGM1d5L
— Tom Westerholm (@Tom_NBA) March 15, 2021
I can’t stop watching this move. He’s 6-9, with killer-range and smooth enough to pull off this move on a drive? Mercy.
The rest of the links
Globe – The Celtics weren’t about to waste an easy win | Why doesn’t Rob Williams play more?
BSJ – How Williams keyed game-changing run | Game Report: Tatum, Brown power Cs to much needed win
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
