Starting is the envy of nearly every NBA player. So when the Boston Celtics moved starting big man Daniel Theis at the trade deadline, Robert Williams couldn’t help but grow excited at the opportunity that was soon to come.
Williams had been doing just fine coming off the bench until that point, putting in 10.6 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.5 blocks, and 2.4 assists a night in the 12 games leading up to the deadline. But being inserted into the starting lineup meant more than a potential numbers boost.
This was the late first-round pick who battled injuries and foul troubles through his first two years in the league.