Redrafting the 2018 NBA Draft: Elite playmakers and modern bigs

Robert Williams, owner of the irrefutably elite nickname “Time Lord,” officially leveled up last season. Boston’s depth can overshadow individual contributors, but Williams might have won Defensive Player of the Year over his teammate Marcus Smart were it not for an untimely late-season injury. He’s one of the absolute best rim protectors in the sport right now.

Several factors have influenced Boston’s early-season regression on the defensive end, but the most blatant factor is Williams’ absence. He’s the anchor: the team’s lone source of real rim protection, and a singular athlete who can exert his influence all over the court. On top of his rare shot-blocking instincts and cavernous 7-foot-6 wingspan, Williams has turned himself into an excellent switch defender. He can hover around the rim to erase driving lanes, or he can trot out to the perimeter and contain drives at the point of attack.

The Celtics happen to roster several upper-tier defenders, but none shined so brightly as Williams at the top of his game last season. That unique ability to provide both elite rim protection and the capacity to switch everything is enough to earn him lottery consideration. But that’s not the extent of Williams’ impact.

Not many players are better at their specific job offensively than Williams. His skill set is limited, sure — he doesn’t space the floor and he’s not going to create his own offense. But Williams is an elite above-the-rim finisher who’s also quite adept at locating teammates and passing on the move. Feed him the ball with momentum moving toward the rim, and he’s a strong bet to make something good happen.