In case you somehow missed it, the Celtics are an absolute wagon right now. At 17-4, they have the best record in the NBA through the first quarter of the season.
If there’s been one knock on the Celtics during their start, it’s been their defense. They’ve improved in that regard as of late, but still rank in the middle of the pack, 14th of 30, allowing 112.9 points per game. But even that little bit of hope for Celtics detractors could be gone soon, given Wednesday’s news.
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(Click here to subscribe to Celtics Audio on 98.5 The Sports Hub)It’s no secret center Robert Williams has been making significant progress rehabbing from a knee procedure he underwent late this summer, just before the start of the season. Earlier this week, it was reported he had began taking part in 3-on-3 work with the team.
Williams took a major step on Wednesday though, taking part in team scrimmages. Reporters were on hand at the Auerbach Center, and the videos that came out of the session made it look like Williams is close to if not already NBA ready – especially on the defensive end of the floor.
Rob Williams blocking shots scrimmaging at Celtics shootaround pic.twitter.com/XSSlRvYMTL
— Jared Weiss (@JaredWeissNBA) November 30, 2022Robert Williams can still block shots. pic.twitter.com/p6y7XQ9fNR
— Jay King (@ByJayKing) November 30, 2022Rob Williams is back scrimmaging at Celtics practice pic.twitter.com/gHCHkMRPQI
— Jared Weiss (@JaredWeissNBA) November 30, 2022With their hot start, the Celtics aren’t in a place where they need to rush Williams back to the floor. It’s more important to have him ready for April, not January, especially given how nagging that knee injury has been. Still, that timeline is moving quickly, with ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reporting last week that the team expects him back by Christmas.
Before he returns, the team will look to continue to extend its lead in the Eastern Conference. That continues Wednesday night, at home against the Miami Heat. Pregame coverage begins at 7:30 p.m. on 98.5 The Sports Hub and the Celtics Radio Network.
Robert Williams’ career stats
Season Age Tm G GS MP FG% 3P% FT% ORB DRB TRB AST STL BLK PTS 2018-19 21 BOS 32 2 8.8 .706 .600 0.8 1.7 2.5 0.2 0.3 1.3 2.5 2019-20 22 BOS 29 1 13.4 .727 .647 1.4 3.0 4.4 0.9 0.8 1.2 5.2 2020-21 23 BOS 52 13 18.9 .721 .000 .616 2.6 4.3 6.9 1.8 0.8 1.8 8.0 2021-22 24 BOS 61 61 29.6 .736 .000 .722 3.9 5.7 9.6 2.0 0.9 2.2 10.0 Career 174 77 19.9 .728 .000 .665 2.5 4.1 6.6 1.4 0.7 1.7 7.2 Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.
