While his failures in the NBA draft are always loudly pointed to by his detractors, former Boston Celtics president of basketball operations and current Utah Jazz head honcho Danny Ainge has done well finding gems in the first round, including Celtics reserve forward Grant Williams.
Ainge drafted Williams 22nd in the 2019 NBA draft. The pick was quickly followed by plenty of complaints that he had not gone for any of several other available players still on the board. But in a recent 2019 re-draft put together by the folks over at Hoops Hype, its panel took Williams nine slots higher based on his elite defense and lethal shot from beyond the arc, particularly in the corners.
“Grant Williams’ impact goes beyond the stat sheet,” writes H/H. “That Williams was an important role player on a Boston Celtics team that made it to the finals in 2021-22 goes to show just how impactful he can be without averaging double-digit points.”
“Williams has developed into a reliable threat from 3 and he can legitimately defend multiple positions thanks to his size, strength, and quick feet,” they added.
While it may be an uphill battle for the former Tennessee standout to get the sort of contract he is likely hoping for as a restricted free agent, he certainly will be a player teams consider extending an offer sheet to this summer, even if Boston will almost certainly match it.
As it should.
Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi
YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ
Related
Former Boston Celtic Dana Barros’ ’60 days of Summer’ Hoops Hall interview
Can the Boston Celtics get Derrick White and Malcolm Brogdon the minutes they need?
Larry Bird’s greatest clutch plays with the Boston Celtics
Celtics, Ford family release statement on the passing of Chris Ford
Golden State Warriors, other teams are reportedly interested in trading for Celtics’ Payton Pritchard
Celtics Lab 166: On Cs-Dubs rematch and whether Boston has exorcised finals demons with Tommy Call III
List
What could the Boston Celtics do at the 2023 NBA trade deadline?
List
NBA Twitter reacts to Jayson Tatum’s season-high 51 in the win over the Hornets
List
Jayson Tatum’s trainer Drew Hanlen on how 2022 NBA Finals loss became fuel for 2022-23
List
Bleacher Report floats two forwards and a center as Boston Celtics trade deadline targets
Story originally appeared on Celtics Wire