Boston Celtics: 3 best moves of the offseason so far
Boston Celtics second best move: Extending Rob Williams
It became clear last season that Rob Williams had the potential to become a game-changing center for the Celtics. Despite his lengthy injury history, the C’s front office decided they wanted Williams to be a part of their long-term future, and signed him to an extension that will see him spend the foreseeable future in Boston.
Williams extension clocked in at $54 million over four years. Considering the heights Williams hit at times last season, this could end up being a steal for Boston. Williams is a dominant player at the rim on both sides of the floor, and adds a vertical facet of the game Boston hasn’t had for some time now.
More from Chowder and Champions
- 3 Midseason Chaim Bloom Decisions That Have Killed the 2023 Red Sox
- 10 Patriots Who Will Be Cut by Tuesday’s Roster Deadline
- MLB Screws Red Sox Fans With Broadcast for Mookie Betts Return
- 3 Most Underpaid Celtics Heading Into the 2023 Season
- Red Sox Continue Rollercoaster Season With Massive Win
Williams’ stats from last season aren’t necessarily anything to write home about (8 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 1.8 APG, 1.8 BPG), but Williams was coming off the bench for the majority of the season, and did spend some time injured as well. At his best, Williams displayed the potential of being a triple-double candidate with his above average passing vision for a big man, while also being able to rack up blocks on the other side of the court.
Williams figures to see starting minutes at the center position for the Celtics this upcoming season. After being buried behind Daniel Theis and Tristan Thompson at the beginning of last season, Williams surpassed both of them, and is a big reason they are both on different teams right now. Now it looks like Enes Kanter will back up Williams, which is ironic considering Williams was backing up Kanter two seasons ago.
With the extended minutes, Williams seems destined to thrive this upcoming season. He already showed his potential in limited action last season, and now that the reigns are coming off, big things are expected. If he’s able to stay healthy, this extension for Williams will prove to be an absolute steal for the Celtics.