Rival Cited Among Teams Eyeing All-Defensive Selection with Celtics

Bobby Krivitsky | Sep 9, 2024

Apr 5, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics center Robert Williams III (44) blocks the shot of Toronto Raptors forward Precious Achiuwa (5) in the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images / David Butler II-Imagn Images

While teams are applying the final touches on their roster before training camp, the work doesn't stop when the regular season starts.

One individual that might find himself in a different NBA home than the one he begins the 2024-25 campaign with is former Celtic Robert Williams.

After joining the Trail Blazers in the deal that sent Jrue Holiday to Boston, the Time Lord averaged 6.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.2 blocks, and 1.2 steals in a promising start to the 2023-24 season before it abruptly ended after six games due to surgery to repair bone and ligament damage caused by a right kneecap injury.

However, he turns 27 in October and is only on the books for $12.4 million this season and $13.3 million for the 2025-26 campaign. When he's healthy, Williams has a significant impact at the rim at both ends of the floor and is a skilled facilitator.

Acquiring the former All-Defensive Second Team selection is a reasonable gamble that could pay dividends for a title contender.

"I would say any team looking for a center is gonna watch Robert Williams closely this year," said ESPN's Brian Windhorst on NBA Today. "I think the Knicks will be among the teams monitoring him."

While New York re-signed Precious Achiuwa this summer, they lost Isaiah Hartenstein to the Thunder in free agency, prompting questions about the production the Knicks will receive from the center position.

If Williams is healthy and New York's hurting at the pivot, striking a deal to bring him on board is a move that could help propel them further in the playoffs.

Further Reading

Celtics Rookie Scheierman Following Path of Elite Quarterbacks

Byproduct of New CBA Threatens Jordan Walsh's Roster Spot with Celtics

Lonnie Walker IV Delivers Motivated Message about Joining Celtics

Jayson Tatum Shares Warning to Celtics at Championship Ring Fitting

Evaluating Oshae Brissett's Best Options in Free Agency

Top 5 Games on Celtics' 2024-25 Schedule

Brad Stevens Shares Encouraging Rehab Update on Kristaps Porzingis

Jayson Tatum Opens Up About 'Challenging and Humbling' Olympic Experience

Here's What to Know about Jaylen Brown's Boston XChange

Jayson Tatum Gets Candid about Relationship with Jaylen Brown

Al Horford, Raising Cane's, and a Region that Loves Him

On Derrick White and the Fuel for Unprecedented Journey to NBA's Best Role Player