Boston Celtics need old version of Grant Williams back
The Boston Celtics have struggled a bit lately. They’ve lost three of their last four, including two heart-breaking overtime losses to the Knicks at home and the Cavaliers on the road the next night.
A big reason for the Celtics losing on Monday night was because of a double digit blown lead in the fourth quarter. The crazy part is that the Celtics had a chance to win the Cleveland game, with less than a second left, with Grant Williams at the free throw line. Unfortunately, he missed both free throws and the Celtics fell in overtime.
This has been a weird stretch for Grant Williams. One game, he recorded a did-not-play because of a coach’s decision. Another game, he didn’t enter in until the fourth quarter.
So if this Celtics team wants to go back to championship contention, they need the old version of Grant Williams back and in a hurry.
Boston Celtics needing the ‘3-and-D’ version of Grant Williams back
Some of the best teams in the NBA have their role players as ‘3-and-D’ type guys. That means they can hit the three pointer on a consistent basis and play solid defense. That’s what Grant Williams role for this Celtics team has to continue to be, especially in a playoff run.
The best example of Williams excelling in this role was when the Celtics played the Bucks in the Eastern Conference semifinals a season ago. We all remember the former Tennessee Volunteer’s heroic game seven of 27 points, with 7 three pointers. He also had to consistently cover Giannis Antetokounmpo throughout the entire series, and did a pretty good job of it too.
When Williams is at his best, he is taking shots with confidence and playing incredible defense. When he struggles, like he’s been doing; he’s hesitant with his shots and fouling consistently. It’s really that simple. Get rid of that version of Grant and keep the better version that we’re used to seeing.
Boston Celtics needing Grant Williams to solidify the bench
If the Celtics want to win a title, they need their bench to have solid production. Grant Williams is a huge piece of that puzzle.
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Malcolm Brogdon and Derrick White are going to sure up the bench when their starting five is healthy and used to playing with each other. But Grant Williams is another integral piece of that bench, especially against the bigs that the Celtics will go up against.
Whether it’s Giannis, Joel Embiid, or maybe even Nikola Jokic; the 6’6 fourth year forward is going to draw that matchup when Robert Williams and Al Horford are on the bench. Another big reason for his importance off the bench!
The bottom line with the Boston Celtics and Grant Williams
If the Celtics want to contend for a title, they need everyone. Grant Williams is no exception there.
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Every member of that team is important when the playoff run gets longer. Joe Mazzulla needs to realize that Grant is in a small slump, but he will find his way out of it.
Truthfully, it wouldn’t surprise me if Grant starts being a reason the Celtics win games down the stretch as opposed to losing them, like he did in Cleveland.