The Boston Celtics may pursue free agent big men after their playoff exit, especially if they miss out on Giannis Antetokounmpo. Insider suggests a reunion with 2018 first-round pick Robert Williams III as a potential move.
Mentioned in this story
Portland Trailblazers center Robert Williams III
Insider Floats Reunion With 2018 First Round Pick If Celtics Lose Giannis Antetokounmpo Sweepstakes originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Boston Celtics could be in the market for some big men in free agency after Brad Stevens comments following their first-round exit.
Following the Game 7 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, Brad Stevens noted that he wants to find a way to make his team better at the rim, even noting that he thinks they have to add in order to do that.
“My general feeling watching us play in really each of the last two playoffs — the second round against New York, even against Orlando in the first round (last year) — was we had a hard time generating really good looks on that first shot,” Stevens said after the season ended. “So we’ve got to figure out a way to do better in that, and I think that one of the things that we’ve got to figure out is how to have more of an impact at the rim. And I think we do need to add to our team to do that.”
Giannis Antetokounmpo would be a stellar addition. While the Celtics have been tabbed by insiders as a potential landing spot, the Celtics will need to pivot if sends him elsewhere or keeps him. named a few potential targets for the Celtics if they don't land Antetokounmpo, and among them was center III.
If the Celtics lose the Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes, they may look to acquire big men in free agency, including a potential reunion with Robert Williams III.
Robert Williams III is a center who was a first-round pick in 2018, and he is being considered for a return to the Celtics to strengthen their frontcourt.
Brad Stevens expressed the need to enhance the team's performance at the rim and indicated that adding new players is essential for improvement.
Kohli opens up on helping Yadav dismiss him in IPL 2026
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
Williams was a first-round pick by the Celtics in 2018. He spent five seasons with the Celtics before signing with the Trail Blazers. If the Celtics are unable to get Antetokounmpo, Williams presents one of the few options the team would have in free agency.
"Williams is an interesting case given his injury history in a crowded Blazers frontcourt but he played very well for them in the playoffs," Robb wrote on Friday.
Williams came off the bench for most of the season, but played his best basketball in the NBA Playoffs. He averaged over nine points and seven rebounds in the series against the San Antonio Spurs.