Boston Celtics: Grant Williams is a huge pickup for team

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 11: Grayson Allen #3 of the Memphis Grizzlies fouls Grant Williams #40 of the Boston Celtics during the 2019 NBA Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 11, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The foul on Williams was ruled flagrant and Allen was ejected from the game. The Celtics defeated the Grizzlies 113-87. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 11: Grayson Allen #3 of the Memphis Grizzlies fouls Grant Williams #40 of the Boston Celtics during the 2019 NBA Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 11, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The foul on Williams was ruled flagrant and Allen was ejected from the game. The Celtics defeated the Grizzlies 113-87. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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The Boston Celtics drafted Grant Williams in the first round of the 2019 NBA Draft, and demonstrated how good he can really be during Summer League.

Boston Celtics rookie Grant Williams stands at six-foot-seven, about 230 pounds and plays power forward.

Williams was drafted by the Celtics in the first round with the 22nd overall selection.

He spent time at Tennessee and his game reminds people of a baby Al Horford.  He averaged 13 points on 47 percent shooting from the field, with six rebounds and one steal per game.  Williams isn’t going to be the flashiest guy on the floor, he isn’t going to wow people a la Carsen Edwards.  However, he’s a hard worker who’s ridiculously smart.

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The Celtics like smart guys

It’s a blanket statement, but it’s true.

Basketball IQ goes a long way, and Williams showed in Summer League how he can make the right decisions and be a very reliable player who can crack the rotation this season.  Think of the New England Patriots here for a second, they don’t always necessarily draft the flashiest player available, but they value a high football IQ over most other things.

Building a team with high character and high IQ individuals can go a long way, and Grant Williams is just one of the few rookies drafted by the Celtics this year who fits that mold.

Williams can do all the things Horford used to, and yes while there will be a learning curve, he seems ready to tackle any challenge that comes his way.  He’s going to learn a tremendous amount under Brad Stevens and Kemba Walker.

Enes Kanter may not be Al Horford, but he’s entering his ninth season in the league and will undoubtedly be able to teach Williams all sorts of different things he’s picked up while he’s been around the league.

Grant Williams is going to be the rookie to watch on the Boston Celtics this year, especially with how thin the C’s are in the front court.

Next. Carsen Edwards as good as advertised; inks 4-year deal. dark

Not only is he going to get minutes, but he’s going to have the opportunity to show people exactly why he was a first round pick.