Robert Williams III exit interview: he’s that guy

Before this season even started, the front office demonstrated their love and trust for the former 28th overall pick by offering Robert Williams III a rookie contract extension. Worth $48 million over four years, this contract quickly became an underpay as Williams demonstrated one undeniable truth over the course of last season – he’s the scariest player on this team.

There are superstars – superstars! – who would dash into Boston’s paint just to change plans of attacking the rim because of the mere thought of Robert Williams. For those foolish enough to not let that thought deter them, Williams exercised his authority with a monstrous block. And for those fortunate enough to avoid the block, the attempt would be skewed enough to avoid Williams’ outstretch arms that he accomplished his job anyway – protect the rim.

Nothing about this is new; Williams has been an athletic freak of nature since his rookie season in 2019-20. What is new is that Williams asserted himself as the starting center, and he was able to – for the most part – stay healthy to fully realize his potential as a Defensive Player of the Year candidate and First Team All-Defense winner.

The Celtics’ starting five of Marcus Smart, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Al Horford, and Robert Williams had a commanding net rating of +13, according to nba.com/stats. Williams was a huge contributor to the team’s success, with the Celtics tied with the Suns for the best net rating on the season with 7.5. The Cs put up a tie for the best defensive rating in the league at 106.9 while also finishing with a top-10 offense.

Williams was critical in his role, functioning as a vertical spacer, crucial rebounder, rim deterrent, and more. But again, the key to his emergence this year was his health. Prior to this year, Williams’ career-highs in minutes and games played were 18.9 and 52, respectively. This year, Williams averaged 29.2 minutes per game and played in 61 games.

What did Robert Williams do with that time? He posted career-highs across the board. 10.0 points, 9.6 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 2.2 blocks, and 0.9 steals on 73.6% shooting from the field and 72.2% shooting from the free-throw line. That’s right, every single one of those stats is a career-high.