NBA free agency is just around the corner, and the Boston Celtics may be looking at reuniting with a former center. According to The Stein Line's Jake Fischer, Boston has looked into bringing Robert Williams III back.
"The Celtics, we've been told repeatedly, are looking at further upgrades in the front court," Fischer said during Monday's live stream on Bleacher Report. "As great as a development success as Neemias Queta was this year, Boston has looked at various center upgrades. They have looked at a reunion with Robert Williams III."
The Celtics initially selected Williams with the 27th pick in the 2018 NBA draft. During his tenure in Boston, he became the team's defensive anchor and a huge part of the 2022 Celtics run to the NBA Finals. Unfortunately for Timelord, the other story of his Celtics tenure was his injury history.
Williams' time in Boston came to an end right before the start of the 2023-24 NBA season, when he was sent to the Portland Trail Blazers in a package that brought the Celtics Jrue Holiday.
Robert Williams III is turning the corner and improving his game
Just like in Boston, things in Portland didn't get off to a great start for Williams. In his first season with the Trail Blazers, he only appeared in six games before he was sidelined with a right patellar injury. Year number two went the same, only appearing in 20 games before being officially shut down in March following a left knee procedure.
After two straight years of injuries derailing his playing career, things weren't looking good for the Texas A&M alum. Entering year three, however, Williams had a bounce-back season.
This past season, Williams played in 59 games, the second most of his career, only trailing his 2021-22 season (61). Williams averaged 6.7 points, 7 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game, playing 17.1 minutes. While he's still most known for his shots around the rim, Williams is slowly expanding his shot chart.
He shot 29 mid-range shots, converting 17 (59%) and 19 threes, making eight (63%), per screwball NBA. For the betterment of his career, this is a smart move, as it will be less taxing for him given his injury history.
So, when free agency begins, should Boston consider a reunion?
Robert Williams III's injury history should make the Celtics cautious
As much fun as it was to watch Timelord play in Boston, it might not be the best decision for the team to bring him back. Yes, center play was the weak area for the Celtics in the playoffs, but given Williams' extensive injury history, they need to consider if he'll make it to the postseason. Gambling on his health could hurt the Celtics' pursuit of banner 19.
Though I believe Boston should be cautious with a potential Williams reunion, that doesn't mean I would be against it. The center market isn't great, and if you can sign Williams for a good price, he would help improve the Celtics' center rotation.
Overall, bringing back Timelord for me comes down to two things. Number one, you aren't able to find an upgrade in the draft (which Chris Cenac Jr. might be). Secondly, you don't overspend to sign him, given his injury history.
Add us as a preferred source on Google