How Robert Williams can put it all together in Year 5
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Celtics player spotlight: How Time Lord can put it all together in Year 5 originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
The Boston Celtics boasted the best defense in the NBA as they surged to the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference and made it all the way to the NBA Finals.
While C’s guard Marcus Smart was recognized with the Defensive Player of the Year honor, one could argue Robert Williams was the anchor for Boston’s defense as the big man made tremendous strides in Year 4 of his career.
Williams, also known as “Time Lord,” was one of the Celtics’ most important players throughout the 2021-22 season. The 24-year-old finished ninth in the NBA in blocks (91) and 15th in rebounds per game (9.6) while earning Second-Team All-Defense honors. Before suffering a torn meniscus in March, Williams was right there with Smart as a favorite to win the DPOY award.
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A few weeks later, Williams showed his toughness by returning to the Celtics’ lineup in the playoffs. He wasn’t as explosive on the surgically-repaired left knee, but his presence was a huge factor even with him not being 100 percent.
How can Williams make another leap in 2022-23? We continue our player spotlight series with Time Lord’s accomplishments last season and where he can improve in Year 5.
Contents
Williams’ 2021-22 stats
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Regular season: 10.0 ppg, 9.6 rpg, 2.6 bpg, 2.0 apg, 73.6 percent FG (61 games)
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Postseason: 7.7 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 2.2 bpg, 1.0 apg, 67.9 percent FG, (17 games)
Williams’ contract situation
The Celtics signed Williams to a four-year, $54 million contract extension, including $48 million guaranteed in August 2021. The deal will keep Williams under contract with Boston through the 2025-26 campaign.
What role will Williams play on the 2022-23 Celtics?
Last season marked Williams’ first season as a full-time starter and he thrived in the new role. The 6-foot-8, 237-pounder stepped up as the stellar rim protector the Celtics have desperately…
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Source : yahoo
