The Boston Celtics have finished another major piece of business ahead of the start of the 2021-21 NBA season. After signing starting guard Marcus Smart to a long-term extension earlier this week, the Celtics now did the same with promising center Robert Williams.
According to Williams’ agent Kevin Bradbury, the 23-year-old Texas A&M product inked a four-year extension with Boston. He will earn $54 million throughout the contract, making him one of the top 15 highest-paid centers in the league.
Williams’ $13.5 million annual salary might come as a surprise, especially considering his limited impact and injury issues since he was selected with the 27th overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. However, it’s obvious that the Celtics like the trajectory Williams is on and believe he could become one of the key players for them in the future.
After playing just 61 games in his first two seasons as a pro, Williams enjoyed an expanded role in 2020-21 and used it to his advantage. He averaged 8.0 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.8 blocks in 52 games while also impressing the Celtics with his defense and passing ability.
Williams had an encouraging start of the playoffs as well, filling the box score with 11 points, nine boards, and nine blocks in Game 1 of the first-round series against the Brooklyn Nets. Unfortunately, his postseason ended early as he missed the second half of the series due to a nagging ankle injury.
