Will Trevion Williams Become A Contributor For The Celtics?
The Celtics only made one selection during the 2022 NBA Draft. At 53 overall, Boston selected Alabama freshman guard JD Davison. I thought what the Celtics did after the draft might be the more interesting part. Purdue power forward Trevion Williams signed on with the Celtics to play for their Sumer League team in July.
Williams may not have been drafted but doesn’t there feel like a pathway for the former Purdue product to find his way on the roster? Keep in mind, there are already two other players with the last name Williams on the roster. Why not make it three? The other two (Grant & Robert) are pretty damn good.
Williams, 21, actually does fit the Celtics roster. Given the health of Robert Williams and age of Al Horford, the Celtics probably could use a high upside insurance policy on the roster. If your next best option is Daniel Theis, it’s time to do better.
I know there isn’t much success for young players drafted in the second round. Even fewer undrafted gems but they do happen. A year ago, Austin Reaves and Jose Alvarado carved out roles as rookies. Williams appears to have as good of a shot to do so this year as any other candidate out there. Williams averaged 12.0 points, 7.4 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game this past year for the Boilermakers.
The profile is there. Williams is a pretty good rebounder and low post scorer. He’s also a solid passer for a big guy. The red flags are a lack of three point shot and overall defense. With Boston already being such a good defensive team, maybe Williams fits right in. Especially in a lineup next to Robert Williams.
Williams will have his chance to impress during the Summer League. Yam Madar and Juhann Begarin who are two stashed draft picks will be on the team as well. Even Aaron Nesmith will play. Point being, it’s a big step for any of these undrafted guys. Even if it’s as a two way guy, I’m rooting for as many Williams’ on the Celtics as possible. As long as they can play that is.
