Since the beginning of his career, with his 73% shooting success, Robert Williams III has been a model of efficiency. Except that he only turns to 7.3 points and 4.5 shots attempted per game. The Boston pivot is therefore discreet, sometimes too much.
That’s why this summer, he decided to work with personal trainer Aaron Miller to take a step forward. The latter spoke with the player but also with the Celtics to find out what points to insist on. A sector has imposed itself: aggressiveness, even selfishness. The desire to simply shoot, and not be content with crumbs.
“Jayson Tatum goes crazy when Williams doesn’t take shots”, explains Aaron Miller for NBC Sports. “He doesn’t like it if he’s not a threat, if he’s not watching the circle. Tatum thinks Williams needs to shoot and that’s important for his confidence. He has the go-ahead to take shots, even from mid-range, because the Celtics need that. This will open up opportunities for Tatum and Jaylen Brown. »
During the offseason, Robert Williams III thus copies situations that he can experience with the two Boston stars, in order to gain efficiency with the ball and create threats for the opponent.
“Without the ball, he is excellent. He is very good at the offensive rebound and to put himself in a good situation without inflating it, ” continues Aaron Miller. “But how do you make him very good with the ball? How can he have the ball when Tatum and Brown are double-teamed? How can he find a teammate for an open shot? The idea is not necessarily to score points, but also to do the right things. »
The Boston pivot, who attempted 96% of his shots from less than three meters in 2022/2023, will he take a few shots from mid-range, or even 3-pts, next season?
“I want people to understand that even if he’s not shooting 3-pointers, you’re killing two birds with one stone. He gains confidence, he becomes a better screenwriter,” replies Aaron Miller. “Maybe he won’t score that headshot, but we tick all the boxes to succeed in our mission. He will be in better physical shape and gaining confidence. »
Rob Williams is healthy and working to make strides on both ends of the floor this off-season! @celtics pic.twitter.com/fy31SjtVMV
—Aaron Miller (@EBTMiller) July 19, 2023
| Robert Williams | Percentage | Bounces | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Crew | GM | Minimum | Shots | 3 points | LF | Off | Def | Early | pd | party | Int | bp | CT | Points |
| 2018-19 | BOS | 32 | 9 | 70.6 | 0.0 | 60.0 | 0.8 | 1.7 | 2.5 | 0.2 | 1.1 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 1.3 | 2.5 |
| 2019-20 | BOS | 29 | 13 | 72.7 | 0.0 | 64.7 | 1.4 | 3.0 | 4.4 | 0.9 | 1.8 | 0.8 | 0.7 | 1.2 | 5.2 |
| 2020-21 | BOS | 52 | 19 | 72.1 | 0.0 | 61.6 | 2.6 | 4.3 | 6.9 | 1.8 | 2.0 | 0.8 | 1.0 | 1.8 | 8.0 |
| 2021-22 | BOS | 61 | 30 | 73.6 | 0.0 | 72.2 | 3.9 | 5.7 | 9.6 | 2.0 | 2.3 | 0.9 | 1.0 | 2.2 | 10.0 |
| 2022-23 | BOS | 35 | 24 | 74.7 | 0.0 | 61.0 | 3.0 | 5.4 | 8.3 | 1.4 | 1.9 | 0.6 | 1.0 | 1.4 | 8.0 |
| Total | 209 | 21 | 73.2 | 0.0 | 65.6 | 2.6 | 4.3 | 6.9 | 1.4 | 1.9 | 0.7 | 0.9 | 1.7 | 7.3 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Shots made / Shots attempted; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def= defensive rebound; Tot = Total bounces; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost bullets; Ct: Counters; Points = Points.
