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The Boston Celtics have signed center Robert Williams to a four-year, $54 million contract extension, according to Adrian Wojnarowski. The big man has only made 16 career starts, but the Celtics feel his upside is worth the financial commitment.
Williams made 13 of his 16 starts last season, averaging 8.0 points and 6.9 rebounds per game in 52 contests. As a starter, Williams averaged 9.5 points and 8.3 rebounds per game. The first-round pick also recorded a career-high 1.8 blocks per game last year.
The Celtics have been re-tooling in the offseason, dealing Kemba Walker and promoting Brad Stevens to a front office role. New coach Ime Udoka will have to find a way to maximize Boston’s young players around stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Williams is one of those players Udoka will have to develop further. This extension also allows the Celtics to include Williams in trades as salary filler if needed.
The Celtics are +4000 to win the 2021-22 NBA title, according to DraftKings Sportsbook. They are +2200 to win the conference and -500 to make the playoffs.