The Boston Celtics, fresh off a 125-117 win over the Toronto Raptors on Friday night, have moved back up to second place in the Eastern Conference. With the trade deadline quickly approaching, the C’s are expected to operate as buyers in an attempt to beef up their roster.
While Boston has done well to exceed expectations this year, there are holes on this roster that need to be addressed. Easily the team’s biggest need is a big man who can help shore up the team’s rotation alongside Neemias Queta and Luka Garza.
There should be several options for Boston at this spot on the trade market, with Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac recently floated as a potential target. Another option recently floated by NBA insider Chris Mannix, though, is old friend Robert Williams III, who is currently playing for the Portland Trail Blazers.
“The two big men that I’m looking at, that I think the Celtics are looking at and have discussed internally are Ivica Zubac, the LA Clippers center, and Robert Williams III,” Mannix said on “NBA on NBC.”
Williams spent the first five seasons of his career in Boston, and he quickly became a dominant two-way interior presence for the team. Nicknamed “Time Lord,” Williams is one of the premier shot blockers in the NBA when he is fully healthy. After getting moved to Portland as part of the Jrue Holiday trade, though, Williams has struggled with injuries.
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Given his familiarity with Boston and his ability to operate as a vertical threat on both ends of the floor, Williams would seemingly be a great fit for the Celtics. With the C’s also making several trades with the Trail Blazers recently, too, this could end up becoming a legitimate option for both sides as the deadline draws near.
