The Boston Celtics start a new season mired in uncertainty after the great internal revolution that occurred during the offseason. The squad has not undergone substantial changes, but the offices and coaching staff have, now commanded, respectively, by Brad Stevens and Ime Udoka.
While the Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown pairing supports the team’s aspirations, other players also hope to play a vital role. Among them, Robert Williams, from whom they expect an important qualitative leap this course.
“I’ve really enjoyed Rob’s growth,” said the now president of operations, and until last year head coach, Brad Stevens, in a few words collected by the Boston Herald. ‘He’s on that upward trajectory. We wanted him to stay here. Being a Celtic is important to him. He wants to win. He is a worker. Therefore, he is a boy we want to have in this project and we are excited about it. “
Indeed, Boston gambled on Williams’ future through a four-year, $ 54 million renovation last August. A decision that incorporates an extra dose of confidence considering the injury history that playing has had. In fact, the 52 games played last season represent his career cap. In the previous two courses, he was barely able to participate in 32 and 29 meetings, respectively.
Thus, the organization believes that the center He can become a very important pillar of the team if the injuries respect him and he maintains a positive dynamic. «He is a very young boy. We want to develop your role and your minutes. To achieve this, the most important thing will be to stay healthy, “said coach Ime Udoka.
A concern that has re-emerged after knee discomfort that prevented Williams from dressing short last Friday against Miami. The Celtics will be wary of their status, keeping that bet on their talent over handicaps. “We have been very attentive. We accompany you in the weight room AND when you receive the treatment. We want him to take care of himself off the pitch and on it, ”continued Udoka. “It has been very good so far. We know what it can offer, it’s just a matter of staying healthy. “
This general enthusiasm is shared by Williams himself, who has acknowledged learning from these previous episodes. The interior added that it hopes to continue the sparkles it offered during the 2020-21 season.
«When I couldn’t play due to a hip injury [durante el curso 2019-20] I learned to control my mood, ”said Williams. «Not only for me but also for others. I learned that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Nobody wants to go through such a process but you have to stick with it. I feel like last year was a great year for me, mainly in terms of being comfortable on the court. The greatest is yet to come. Last year made a big difference for me and if I work on all aspects of the game everything will continue to improve. “
A process in which Williams did not forget his teammates or the coaching staff: “I owe 90% to them and 10% to myself. They have done a great job. “
(Cover photo by Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images)