While he might not be held in too high esteem by former Memphis Grizzlies executive John Hollinger, Boston Celtics rookie forward Grant Williams has at least a few fans among ESPN analysts.
In an article detailing the top 12 rookies expected to leave their mark on the season resumption scheduled to take place at Disney in late July, the Tennessee product found himself ranked 10th overall by ESPN’s Mike Schmitz.
While far too much attention has been focused on what Williams didn’t do, especially early in the 2019-20 season — namely, find the bottom of the net as a shooter — the defense, hustle and intangible effect of the former Volunteer on the Celtics’ rotation undoubtedly contributed to winning.
Celtics, NBA's resumed season coming into focus with new memo https://t.co/ct6CrMxUTW via @thecelticswire
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) June 16, 2020
Even if there’s room to quibble over what kind of role the Charlotte native can have in the postseason.
“Williams is a physical competitor with a strong feel for the game who can help impact winning,” related Schmitz. “I expect him to find a way to get on the floor for Boston in the postseason … He’s experienced, a smart positional defender and a high-motor offensive rebounder. More often than not, he makes the right reads offensively. His jump shot hasn’t quite translated yet, but he should be a contributor to the Celtics’ front line.”
It’s good to see such a brilliant young prospect getting some good press after taking some perhaps underserved hits early on.
Celtics raving about versatile rookie Grant Williams’ play at center https://t.co/gi40bysMtK
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) October 26, 2019
It may indeed prove difficult for the rookie to play as much in the playoffs as he did in the regular season, but that’s pretty typical for a first-year player.
While his ceiling might not be too much higher than a long-term, solid starter, that’s precisely what this team needs.
And if “all” they get in the meantime is a player of Williams caliber he’s already demonstrated, it was a draft pick well used to bring him on board.
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