Some very smart posters here, like Salt and Roy, seem very bearish on Williams. Don't be fooled, I've scouted pretty well over the past decade to 12 years when I bother to watch, and I think Williams is a great pick, and attones for passing on DeAndre Jordan.
For reference, I was on record for Tatum last year, was perhaps the most vocal Kyrie trade supporter (i posted videos of IT and Kyrie showing how Kyrie was simply better, stats be [dang]ed) and after we got Morris I immediately researched and stated we won that trade.
So I feel my opinion has been overall pretty solid the past year, and I love this pick. This is not like selecting Fab Melo or Deyonta Davis, it's like picking DeAndre Jordan or Willie Caulie-Stein.
Not sure the motor criticisms are fair. His drb% is on par with the tops in the country, and much higher than JJJ and he has a very high block % as well.
It’s not like picking Willie Cauley-Stein. WCS is not and will never be a perfect player, but he took a step forward in college every year. Williams was the same player this year as he was last year. He got suspended for 3 games at the beginning of the season for violating team rules (presumably pot). His on-court effort issues are widely agreed upon.
I get the pick. I think it was the correct one. I just think people are way too excited about him and are setting themselves up for disappointment. It’s a lot easier for me to see him never making it into the Celtics rotation than it is for me to see him as a foundational piece, or even really a useful on that leaves after his rookie deal. I hope he reaches his considerable ceiling, or even gets 80% of the way there. That would make the Celtics future even more bright than it already is. I don’t see it happening, but I’d love to be wrong.
Just curious if you did indeed watch A&M games at all, or just basing this on what you've seen on highlights/draft videos?
There was absolutely no floor spacing. There were a lot of injuries. Their point guard Caldwell was kicked off the team, two other teammates also got suspended for a few games, and he was next to a non-floor stretching big. And no competent passers for a lob catching/rim running big.
Robert Williams fell supposedly due to his motor, and knee issues, but from what I've seen. He is a threat for a lob every time.
Positives:
Can handle the ball somewhat, will be able to do give and go's.
Midrange shot is still weak, but showed a lot of improvement.
Lob catcher, A&M threw lobs from almost full court, (despite how many frugal passers there were on the team,) and explosive athlete.
His passing is actually underrated skill set of his.
Elite defender, smart at keeping ball within the court
Negatives:
How worrisome are knee concerns
Not a fluid athlete
Handling/shooting form is very suspect, very inconsistent
Doesn't do a lot of the little things
Passing needs more shape up
Basically all of his concerns minus shooting/ball handling, a good coach/leader can inspire him to do better.
Capela/DeAndre Jordan literally couldn't shoot a mid range to save their life. I think Williams could.