NBA Rookie Rankings: 5 guys team should be concerned about

DALLAS, TX - DECEMBER 12: Head Coach Lloyd Pierce speaks with Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks during the game against the Dallas Maverickson December 12, 2018 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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BOSTON, MA – DECEMBER 10: Robert Williams #44 of the Boston Celtics takes control of a rebound in front of Ian Clark #2 of the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half of an NBA basketball game at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts on December 10, 2018. (Photo By Christopher Evans/Digital First Media/Boston Herald via Getty Images) /

2. Robert Williams

The Celtics knew they were taking a pretty big swing by taking Williams with the No. 27 pick. His talent is undeniable, but his maturity was a question. The former Texas A&M star still doesn’t seem to understand what it means to be a professional.

That’s really limited his ability to impact Boston to date. Williams has actually been very effective when he’s been on the floor. Averaging 2.4 points and 2.5 rebounds in just 6.6 minutes of action is really efficient. In most cases, that would allow a promising big to earn more playing time.

That’s not happening for Williams. Even with Al Horford’s struggles and subsequent injury, Williams hasn’t seen an uptick in playing time from Brad Stevens. The reason Williams continues to ride the pine is pretty clear.

He still doesn’t show a mental grasp for what the Celtics want to do on either end of the floor. Williams has plenty of talent to become, at the very least, a rotation big, but he’s got to make serious strides in the mental part of his game.

It’s not time to write the 21-year-old off, but he needs to make some serious strides as the year goes on if he wants to figure into Boston’s long-term plans.

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