Rob Williams still a somewhat-unfinished product

 Rob Williams ceiling still remains in question. His skills and athleticism are beyond question, but his injury history and transgressions in his younger days linger.

His 61 regular-season games last season were a career high, but he only saw the floor for an average of 38 games his first three seasons in the League. He was suspended for two games for violation of university policy at Texas A&M and had a few glitches making appointments after being drafted by the Boston Celtics. Then there were the negative vibes on his game prior to the draft.

Weaknesses: Has a tendency to leave you wanting more. Disappears for stretches of games, particularly offensively … Competitive level has been questioned by some … Doesn’t always seem in control on the court, opponents can speed him up and make him uncomfortable … Has been working to extend his range, but still lacks any consistency with his jump shot … Very poor free throw shooter who needs work on his shot mechanics … Sometimes relies too much on his athleticism … Still a raw prospect who, despite making a big leap in development his freshman year, didn’t progress nearly as much as a sophomore … Can become complacent when the offense is flowing through teammates … Inconsistent performer,  especially as a scorer … Can struggle to make major offensive impact when he doesn’t have the physical advantage over his competition … Has a habit of posting in space instead of fighting his opponent for position … Some of his deficiencies have been covered up by playing in Texas A&M’s frontcourt (along with Tyler Davis) where teams can’t double Williams … , but a few remain. Sometimes can find himself out of position defensively, this can likely be remedied with more experience, however … Was suspended to start sophomore season, raising some red flags …

Rob has erased most of the negativity. He works hard on the court (often in pain) - is a fierce rebounder and shot blocker - and has improved his free thrown accuracy and passing skills - his defense is intimidating to opponents. And he is exciting to watch.

He still does rely too much on his athleticism and doesn't often jostle for position under the hoop. And he does need to develop of short-to-mid-range jumper. 

The "Skylord" is due back in action in a few weeks, and count me as excited. Williams III has matured, both in his game and his place in the world. His team has achieved the best record in the NBA without him, and God knows what they can be with him on the floor. After all, his pre-draft strengths virtually all came true here in Boston.

Strengths: Possesses really nice combination of size and athleticism … His huge (near 7’6) wingspan allows him to block shots and play bigger than his 6’9 height … 240 pound frame prevents him from being bullied around the rim … Moves very well for his size, both with and without the ball … Does a good job of anticipating where missed shots will go and is very good and getting position inside … Rebounds the ball high in the air, doesn’t just let the ball come to him … High rebounding rate on both ends of the court (12% offensive rebound rate, 23.7 defensive rebound rate for his career) … Rebounds with two hands and grabs boards both inside and outside of his area … High level shot blocker, uses anticipation, length and vertical to deny shots near the rim … Has worked to develop an offensive repertoire both facing up and on the low block …  Can use his explosive leaping ability to finish strong around the rim and has the strength to power through contact … Wants to play a physical brand of basketball which allows him to not only get to the free throw line, but also cause foul trouble for opponents … Not a black hole in the post, is willing to pass it back out and repost … Should be able to add muscle to his frame still … Doesn’t find himself in foul trouble often … Progressed from lower ranked prospect to a possible lottery pick