Could Boston’s Robert Williams III win Defensive Player of the Year?

Timelord impacts offenses like few if any players in the league — could this be the year he gets hardware for it?

By now, most fans of the NBA have come to appreciate the intimidating presence of Boston Celtics big man Robert Williams III on the court in the same way opponents have begun to think twice when squaring up for a shot while he is in their vicinity.

But as intimidating as his on-court defensive impact may be, he has yet to win any formal recognition of its impact in the form of an All-Defense team, never mind the holy grail of locking down opposing players in the league, the Defensive Player of the Year award. Is this the year Timelord breaks through and wins the big prize?

According to Sports Illustrated’s Michael Pina, it is definitely on the table.