How the Celtics can survive with out Time Lord
This sucks. Can the Celtics just get one playoff run fully healthy? Rob Williams should be getting DPOY nods so his loss is obviously huge. Not just the rim presence and perimeter help he provides, but his lob threat and ridiculous activity on the offensive boards has helped the Celtics become one of the highest rated offenses in the league. So how do they survive with out him?
In short they can’t. Not in terms of winning the championship. Which was absolutely on the table. The Celtics starting 5 of Tatum, Brown, Smart, Horford, and Rob was one of the best in the league. SOURCE
However, if the Celtics can avoid the Nets in the 1st round they should still have enough to get them past everyone besides the Bucks. They have more talent than the Heat and are playing better than them right now. The 76ers are flawed and I simply don’t trust James Harden in the playoffs or Embid when it matters. Beyond that the Celtics are simply better than everyone else with or with out Rob Williams.
Surgery is required to fix the torn meniscus in Williams’ knee. There are two options. One short term surgery which could see Timelord back in 4 - 6 weeks and one long term that would end his season. If they find it best to go with the short term there is a chance we see Williams back for an ECF series and push for the NBA finals.
In order to meet those lofty goals we are going to have to see a few guys step up. I think you see Grant Williams step into the starting PF role next to Horford. Hear’s what that look’s like
12 games / 50 minutes / 106.8 Ortg / 117.0 Drtg / -10.2 net rating
That’s plenty good enough. You maintain your ability to switch on defense plus the spacing is solid with Grant and Horford’s ability to knock down 3’s. Daniel Theis is basically your only big off the bench which means 2 things. He needs to limit his fouls and find his lob game. It also means if I’m Ime, I’m resting the shit out of Horford down the stretch in these last games. You hold the 4 seed now in a virtual tie for 2nd. As long as you remain in the top 4 you will get a favorable match up. (Minus the Nets). Keep Al fresh for Giannis and Embid.
Another thing I think we will see. Some small ball lineups. Tatum hasn’t played nearly any PF this year, but has almost exclusively been in that spot in year’s past. Your depth up front sucks so they will need Tatum there. That means more of Derrick White, Payton Pritchard, and dare I say Aaron “Peachbaskets” Nesmith? I think so. With any type of foul trouble, Nesmith will be the 9th man. His energy could provide a lift and if he actually knocks down some shots he will be a contributor.
If Pritchard continues to shoot this way he will see solid minutes. Derrick White should remain in the back up PG role to Marcus Smart. I don’t love them together on the floor from an offensive stand point, but defensively that’s a nasty back court. Obviously it goes with out saying that Jaylen and Jayson will have to continue shouldering the bulk of offensive production. I’d like to see them attack the rim a bit more especially with Rob not there to clean up any missed jumpers.
With Rob in the line up he is a difference maker against the elite teams. As discussed the starting 5 can match up with anyone in the league. With out him the Celtics margin of error is smaller and their ability to really blow teams out should be less. I still expect a deep run and hopefully a timely return from the Timelord.
P.S. Looking past this season. Lets hope Williams makes it back in order for the Celtics to really make a run. And also to continue to show case him, because I would slap Timelord smack dab in the middle of a big trade proposal.
I love the way Rob has come along and he really is turning into a top Center in the NBA. I have 3 reasons why I would move him.
Health. He has always had a problem staying the court. He has never played more than 61 games in the regular season. He couldn’t finish the playoffs last season because of injury issues. You can’t be a consistent finals contender if your starting center can’t make it through the season
His game is too reliant on his athleticism. That shit has a shelf life please see Kemba Walker. Especially with guy who already has health issues.
Value. It’s at an all time high if he can come back and play. If Brad is still looking to add a 3rd all-star next to the Jays this is the guy he needs to start with in a trade.
P.P.S. Can Wyc and the Celtic take a look at their medical staff? How many years do we have to deal with this player and that player going down with injury?
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