Celtics Buzz: Robert Williams makes NBA’s best team even more dominate

The scariest part to how the Boston Celtics has exploded into the 2022-23 NBA season is that they are dominating teams without their best big man.  Well NBA, that is about to change with the return of big man Robert Williams III.

After missing the first couple of months of the season recovering from follow-up surgery for a torn meniscus, the Celtics are very close to getting their big man back.  That’s right, the high-flying, rim-protecting, rebound-grabbing big man is set to rejoin a lineup that has been destroying teams mainly due to historic offense.

Now, with Williams back in the mix, the defensive trait the team has been known for should return as the big man was a big part of the team’s defensive proficiency a season ago.

Robert Williams III adds an element to Celtics both defensively and offensively

While the team has been getting better at that end of the court, the presence of Williams should add a major boost as not only will he add depth, but he will also give the team that presence down low that has been missing against teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers and Chicago Bulls.

This is no shade to Al Horford and Luke Kornet who have been holding it down with the team out to a 21-5 start, but Robert Williams III has shown to be an elite defender who makes this team that much better once he really gets back into the flow of the game.

In averaging 10.0 points, 9.6 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game last season, the Celtics big man was starting to look like the dominant player he was projected to be.  With a string of injuries as the roadblock holding him back, Celtics fans can only gleam at the possibility a healthy Williams adds to the team and not just defensively.

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Offensively, the Boston Celtics have been putting up points at a historic pace.  With Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown playing like men on a mission along with Malcolm Brogdon, Marcus Smart and Derrick White combining as a unique trio of guards who space the court and set up open shots, the addition of Williams adds another element to that offense.

With Horford contributing more offensively as a stretch big, Williams should have even more opportunities down low, especially in the pick-and-roll with his athleticism around the rim.  There should be a lot more dunking, but don’t forget about how good a passer Williams is.

Whether it is finding teammates at the top of the paint or kicking the ball back outside, his presence should add to the offensive onslaught the Celtics have been laying on the NBA so far this season.  As was the case the last couple of seasons, if Robert Williams III can add some sort of consistent jump shot to his game sky is the limit as long as there is no setback and health in general doesn’t stand in his way.

In concluding, whether he returns against the Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers or waits to make his debut when the team returns home, the return of Williams is a major jolt for a team already considered the best in the league.