The Boston Celtics have a very interesting squad heading into next season. They shook up their roster by acquiring Kristaps Porzingis for Marcus Smart but are also hoping for development from their starting center, Robert Williams III.
Williams is working with skills trainer Aaron Miller, who revealed to NBC Sports that the center is looking to be more ‘selfish’ with his offensive contribution with encouragement from his teammates.
“[Jayson Tatum is] mad at Rob when he isn’t taking shots and he is mad at Rob — not mad, but holding him accountable — when he isn’t taking shots and when he isn’t being a threat or looking at the goal.”
Williams averaged 8.0 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks last season in a limited offensive role. He finishes around the rim but primarily focuses on being a defensive presence. Porzingis’ addition could be insurance for the injury-prone Williams, but the team will hope that both big men can play alongside each other.
Jayson Tatum And Jaylen Brown Willing To See Robert Williams Grow
It seems odd that a team with as many offensive options as the Celtics would want their defense-focused center to score more, but Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are both primary drivers behind Williams’ offensive focus this summer, according to Miller.
“When Rob gets rebounds and throws it out to [Tatum or Jaylen Brown] to shoot it, I could tell you 12 other superstars in the NBA that would be so happy because they’re trying to get their shot attempts up. But Jayson Tatum and I don’t know him personally, but just in the sense of him saying, ‘Rob, we need you to shoot that, we need you,’ — man, I thought that was amazing for Rob’s confidence moving forward… It’s basically giving him the nod like, ‘Hey, it’s OK that you’re taking those shots. It’s OK that you’re taking those midrange (shots) because we need you to take them.’ Because, like I said, it’ll open up other opportunities for [Tatum and Brown].”
This showcases how solid of a veteran Tatum can be. Keeping his teammates engaged and constantly developing their skills, even if it comes at the expense of his numbers is a wonderful sign. The same goes for Brown, who is ready to ink a long-term supermax extension to stay with the C’s.
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