Robert Williams (basketball)


Robert Lee Williams III is an American professional basketball player for the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association. He played college basketball for the Texas A&M Aggies.

High school career

Williams attended North Caddo High School in Vivian, Louisiana. A consensus four-star recruit, he ranked 50th overall in ESPN’s Top 100 for the class of 2016 and was the number one prospect in the state of Louisiana. He committed to Texas A&M University to play college basketball.

College career

In his first college game, he scored five points and had five blocks and seven rebounds. He was named SEC Defensive Player of the Year and earned 2nd Team All-SEC honors after averaging 11.9 points and a team-high 8.2 rebounds per game as a freshman in 2016-17.
On March 21, despite being credited as a potential first round lottery player, Williams decided to forgo the 2017 NBA Draft and stay for another season at Texas A&M.
Following Texas A&M's loss in the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, Williams announced his intention to forgo his final two seasons of collegiate eligibility and declare for the 2018 NBA Draft, where he was expected to be a first round selection.

Professional career

Boston Celtics (2018–present)

Come the 2018 NBA draft, instead of being a lottery pick, Williams fell to the 27th overall pick where he was selected by the Boston Celtics due to concerns about his work ethic. On July 5, 2018, the Boston Celtics signed Williams. Williams did not initially make a good impression, being criticized for showing up late and missing team functions.
Williams made his professional debut on October 23, 2018, playing 4 minutes during the Celtics' loss to Orlando Magic, before being assigned to the Maine Red Claws on November 2. Throughout November and December, Williams split his time between the G League and the NBA, before starting to gain more game time with the Celtics following an injury to Al Horford.
On December 11, 2018, Williams impressed during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans, blocking two shots by NBA All Star Anthony Davis.

Personal life

In July 2018, Williams was revealed to have popliteal artery entrapment syndrome in both legs. If it degenerates, the vascular disease could require a surgical procedure in the future.

Nickname

Early in his career, Williams has attracted the nickname "Time Lord" from Celtics fans, in part based upon his timekeeping faux pas upon signing with the team. This has, in turn, has gained attention from Timex. Danny Ainge has been recorded as preferring the nickname "Lob".

Career statistics

College

NBA

Regular season

Playoffs