The Celtics have been understandably cautious with Rob Williams since he returned from left knee surgical procedure final month, however his latest play has virtually demanded him to play a much bigger position and see extra minutes.
Two nights after his strongest efficiency of the season – and a few public assist from the Celtics’ largest stars – Williams was again in a well-recognized place on Monday night time.
After coming off the bench in his first 9 video games of the season, the Celtics heart was again within the beginning lineup Monday towards the Bulls rather than the injured Marcus Smart. It got here a sport after Williams had arguably his greatest sport but in Saturday’s win over the Spurs, when he posted 10 factors, 11 rebounds and 4 blocks in 22 minutes.
After that sport, Jayson Tatum expressed hope for Williams to rejoin him within the beginning lineup. On Monday morning, Jaylen Brown had the same sentiment.
“We need Rob,” Brown stated. “Rob is amazing. Rob has a special ability on offense and defense, as we’ve been able to see for a little bit this year but especially last year. The more we integrate him and use him, I think the better our team will be. I know we got off to a hot start with other guys playing a different type of ball, but I think down the line and in the playoffs, having Rob as a critical part of our offense and defense is going to be, I think is necessary. So I think that’s something we should take a look at as we get closer to the playoffs.”
It definitely stays to be seen if Williams stays within the beginning lineup when Smart returns. But the beginning unit of Tatum, Brown, Smart, Williams and Al Horford was the most effective within the NBA final season because the Celtics superior to the Finals, and there appears to be a transparent want for that group – which has performed minimally collectively since Williams’ return – to play extra collectively and regain their chemistry.
Williams entered Monday averaging 19.4 minutes per sport in his first 9 video games and hadn’t performed greater than 22 minutes in a sport, however interim head coach Joe Mazzulla stated the middle isn’t working on a minutes restriction.
“He’s not under a restriction as much as it is just a management,” Mazzulla stated. “As he continues to get better, especially getting in shape, he’s recovering well after each game, and so just more of a process and management than anything else.” …
Smart missed Monday’s sport on account of a left knee contusion that he suffered when he collided with San Antonio’s Zach Collins in Saturday’s win. Mazzulla stated the purpose guard awoke sore on Monday and is each day.
Source: www.bostonherald.com