With the 27th pick in the 2018 NBA draft, the Celtics choose Robert Williams


Texas A&M's Robert Williams was projected as a late-lottery pick but ended up falling to the Boston Celtics with the 27th pick.

Williams is a 6'9" center with a huge 7'6" wingspan. For this past season, he averaged 10.4 points, 8.7 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game. He is 20 years old and weighs 240 pounds. He just may be the rebounding rim-protector that Boston has been looking for.

He is a true athlete. Danny Ainge will be telling fans that he never expected Robert to fall this far in the draft, and he will be absolutely correct. Very few analysts felt Williams would last to the #27 pick.



Here is some analysis on Robert Williams via Eric Yearian of NBADraft.net:

Possesses really nice combination of size and athleticism ... His huge (near 7'6) wingspan allows him to block shots and play bigger than his 6'9 height ... 240 pound frame prevents him from being bullied around the rim ... Moves very well for his size, both with and without the ball ... Does a good job of anticipating where missed shots will go and is very good and getting position inside ... Rebounds the ball high in the air, doesn’t just let the ball come to him ... High rebounding rate on both ends of the court (12% offensive rebound rate, 23.7 defensive rebound rate for his career) ... Rebounds with two hands and grabs boards both inside and outside of his area ... High level shot blocker, uses anticipation, length and vertical to deny shots near the rim ... Has worked to develop an offensive repertoire both facing up and on the low block ... Can use his explosive leaping ability to finish strong around the rim and has the strength to power through contact ... Wants to play a physical brand of basketball which allows him to not only get to the free throw line, but also cause foul trouble for opponents ... Not a black hole in the post, is willing to pass it back out and repost ... Should be able to add muscle to his frame still ... Doesn’t find himself in foul trouble often ... Progressed from lower ranked prospect to a possible lottery pick ...

There is little question that Boston was fortunate to acquire Williams. The analysis above ranked him as a possible lottery pick. He is not a 3-point shooter and does not do well from the foul line, but it appears he does most everything else well. He certainly fills a real need for the Boston Celtics. This was a true win for Boston.

Follow Tom at @TomLaneHC

Photo via Nelson Chenault/USA TODAY Sports

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