After falling short last postseason in the NBA Finals, one thing became evidently clear to the Boston Celtics: Robert Williams is crucial to the ceiling of this team. Williams was integral to the team’s top-ranked defense, and it’s no surprise that the team’s defensive stats began to slowly tick upwards following his return this season.
Two surgeries later, and it still remains the same: the Celtics are simply a better team with Williams out on the floor. Boston’s coaching and medical staff needed to put their heads together on how to get the most out of his minutes, while also avoiding reinjury or pushing him beyond his limits.