Missing In Action: 2020-21 Time Lord

[footey]

Please watch these videos linked below. They are of Rob Williams last season. One is highlights of entire season, the other of the first playoff game vs Brooklyn, when he had 9 blocks despite a sore toe.

He is noticeably quicker, lighter (he admits to putting on weight in off season to battle guys like Andre Drummond. What a mistake!!), and jumps a foot higher on the lobs.   This is  the guy I was looking forward to watching this season.

His underwhelming performance has flown under the radar this season. As others have correctly noted, it is our defense, or lack thereof, that is at the center of our problems so far this season.  And Rob's inability to anchor the defense is the major reason IMO.   Guys like LaVine and DeRosan drive with impunity toward the paint without fear of Rob embarrassing them. That was last season's Rob.  This season's Rob is a below average center who doesn't rebound and is scared to dunk the ball, less he get his shot block. 

For  starters, get back to your game weight last season, Time Lord.  I miss that guy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7uG9ANevB6E

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxKf3UYSEto

[Csfan1984]

He got paid and now he will be trying a lot less. Happens too often.

[esel1000]

Add it to the list. That said in my opinion it’s pretty low on the list of problems if we’re triaging this.

Tier 1 Problems

Marcus Smart
Ime’s rotations and situational coaching skills
Brown constantly being iced out of games

Tier 2 Problems

Tatum’s inefficiency
Lack of shooters

Tier 3 Problems

Timelord possibly regressing
Second year players contributing nothing

[gouki88]

Let's hold the phone a little here. Rob is averaging 10/9/2 with 3 blocks and 1 steal a game, shooting 69% from the field and 67% from the FT line. His fouls per minute are incredibly low and his turnover rate has dropped significantly. His defensive rebounding has suffered a massive drop, but his rim protection is still there - 3rd in BPG (Horford is 1st) isn't bad. A lack of rim protection is not our issue IMO.

His role has also changed. He's getting much less of the ball, which under-utilises his passing ability. He's playing in two-big lineups, which I don't think helps either. He's also gained weight to battle against the bigs, which makes sense given that was a glaring weakness of his and we don't have anyone else who can (because Kanter doesn't get minutes).

He's not been as dynamic as he was, but he's playing 30+ minutes of good basketball.