This Insane Stat About Grant Williams' Efficiency Will Blow Your Mind

The big man is earning himself a big pay day
Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
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Grant Williams couldn't have asked for a better start to the 2022-23 season. 

The Boston Celtics' stretch-big entered the new campaign with uncertainty after failing to come to agreement on a contract extension but has responded in the best way possible. Aside from missing one game due to a suspension, Williams has been extremely efficient off the Boston bench and clearly has taken another leap, although the sample size is small. 

Through five games, Williams is averaging 9.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists and a block per game across a career-high 24.6 minutes per game. What's been even more impressive is the efficiency he's reached his averages. Williams is leading the league in three-point percentage at 66.7% on three attempts per game, is shooting an impressive 85.7% from the free throw line and is shooting 69.6% overall from the field on 4.6 shots per game. 

Williams has been so efficient to open the season that he actually is leading the league in true shooting percentage at 92%. True shooting is an advanced statistic that gives extra weight to three-point attempts and also takes into account free throw attempts to better capture one's shooting efficiency rather than just cut and dry field goal percentage. 

While this number certainly isn't likely sustainable as the NBA record for true shooting percentage in a season is held by Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert at 73.2%, it is a good look into what Williams has been able to do so far this season. He at one point seemed destined to be traded, but now has proven that he can be an important rotation piece for a championship contender. 

Further Reading

After Firing Steve Nash, Nets Plan to Hire Ime Udoka as Head Coach

Here's What Stood Out in the Celtics' Win vs. Wizards: Boston Clamps Down Defensively, While Brogdon Scores Season-High

The Top 5 Plays from Sunday's Celtics-Wizards Game

Once Uncertain Jayson Tatum Has Shown He Is Man For Job For Celtics

[Film Room] Malcolm Brogdon's Fitting in Seamlessly with Celtics, but What's More Exciting is on the Horizon


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Patrick McAvoy
PATRICK MCAVOY

  Patrick McAvoy's experiences include local and national sports coverage at the New England Sports Network with a focus on basketball and football. Outside of journalism, Patrick also is pursuing an MBA at Brandeis University.