Robert Williams Highlights Show Off Athleticism, Shot-Blocking
Danny Ainge and the Boston Celtics did not find a way to leap up to the top of the 2018 NBA Draft. But they’ll hope that they’ve found their next…
Mar 22, 2018; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Texas A&M Aggies forward Robert Williams (44) dunks against the Michigan Wolverines in the second half in the semifinals of the West regional of the 2018 NCAA Tournament at STAPLES Center. (Photo Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports)
Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY SportsDanny Ainge and the Boston Celtics did not find a way to leap up to the top of the 2018 NBA Draft.
But they'll hope that they've found their next young big man all the same with the selection Texas A&M's Robert Williams III with the No. 27 overall pick on Thursday night.
A 6-foot-10 center that primarily played the four throughout his brief collegiate career, Williams averaged 10.4 points and 9.2 rebounds per night in a 30-game sophomore season for the Aggies. He also finished the season with a 63.2 field goal percentage, which was a 7.4 percent improvement from his freshman year.
Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY SportsMar 22, 2018; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Texas A&M Aggies forward Robert Williams (44) dunks against the Michigan Wolverines in the second half in the semifinals of the West regional of the 2018 NCAA Tournament at STAPLES Center. (Photo Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports)
The beneficiary of an absurd 7-foot-6 wingspan, Williams plays bigger than his listed height, and has strength to compete in the paint. Williams also plays a physical brand of basketball, which could make him an early and possible replacement for free agent to be Aron Baynes.
The 20-year-old Williams was apparently on the radar of the Celtics' Ainge and Mike Zarren braintrust once he slipped out of the top 17, according to Celtics head coach Brad Stevens.
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