I Believe in Time Lord...Why Can't You?

lovegtm

Member
SoSH Member
Apr 30, 2013
11,997
TL looked surprisingly good out there. He's not jumping all over the place, but he started impacting the rim again in help. Looks like the time off slowed things down for him.
 

Imbricus

Member
SoSH Member
Jan 26, 2017
4,810
Yeah, his impact was very noticeable in the first half. Cleveland became very conscious of his presence near the rim and stopped getting easy close-in baskets. In the third quarter, he looked a bit tired. But a very good night overall for him.
 

lovegtm

Member
SoSH Member
Apr 30, 2013
11,997
Yeah, his impact was very noticeable in the first half. Cleveland became very conscious of his presence near the rim and stopped getting easy close-in baskets. In the third quarter, he looked a bit tired. But a very good night overall for him.
I also think there’s something there for him in a Tatum-centric offense. His passing gains a lot of value if he’s catching frequently in the middle of the paint, and he’s a good target for getting threatening passes in there.
 

Jimbodandy

Member
SoSH Member
Jan 31, 2006
11,405
around the way
I also think there’s something there for him in a Tatum-centric offense. His passing gains a lot of value if he’s catching frequently in the middle of the paint, and he’s a good target for getting threatening passes in there.
Despite a big difference in experience and subsequent game-speed BBIQ, TL has better passing skill and vision from that zone killer spot than Theis. I'm sure that Brad is taking notes on what the league is doing to stop the offense and Tatum in particular. TL being able to neutralize one of those stunts would be a nice arrow in the quiver.
 

NomarsFool

Member
SoSH Member
Dec 21, 2001
8,159
He looked winded, but his impact in limited minutes has been great. I think the 3 headed C-monster the Celtics have is fantastic. Each one brings a different element to the table.
 

Cesar Crespo

79
SoSH Member
Dec 22, 2002
21,588
He looked winded, but his impact in limited minutes has been great. I think the 3 headed C-monster the Celtics have is fantastic. Each one brings a different element to the table.
They each bring something different which is good. Basketball is often a game of match ups.
 

bakahump

Well-Known Member
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Jan 8, 2001
7,521
Maine
TL always seems to comeback better then when he got hurt. (The good). Gotta give him and the staff credit for that.
However Getting hurt alot (the bad) and coming back alot is a non optimal career path.
 

bigq

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 15, 2005
11,084
Career night for him and he went 7-7 from the field with 5 boards, 2 assists and 3 blocks in 19 minutes. Really fun to watch.
 

Imbricus

Member
SoSH Member
Jan 26, 2017
4,810
Williams is an interesting guy. I love it when he has a big game, I'm a huge fan, but he can be frustrating. Sometimes he seems disengaged and looks tired/bored. Other times, he's amazing. I keep thinking of Rondo's "Trick or Treat" nickname. Hopefully, he's just inconsistent because he's young.
 

RoDaddy

Well-Known Member
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Jun 19, 2002
3,245
Albany area, NY
I keep wondering how he'd do guarding Giannis or Lebron, say 15 minutes a game. Just throwing those guys off their game a little could have a pretty big impact since they're so central to the Buck's and Laker's offenses.
 

JCizzle

Member
SoSH Member
Dec 11, 2006
20,532
I keep wondering how he'd do guarding Giannis or Lebron, say 15 minutes a game. Just throwing those guys off their game a little could have a pretty big impact since they're so central to the Buck's and Laker's offenses.
I think he'd foul out in half that time, ha. I do agree that he's one of the few guys we have that's athletic enough to keep up with either guy.
 

chilidawg

Member
SoSH Member
Jan 22, 2015
5,934
Cultural hub of the universe
I keep wondering how he'd do guarding Giannis or Lebron, say 15 minutes a game. Just throwing those guys off their game a little could have a pretty big impact since they're so central to the Buck's and Laker's offenses.
His block on AD early this year was truly memorable, ie I still remember it which is a minor miracle. AD just looked stunned that a post hook could get blocked by a guy a couple inches shorter.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1klePkhtwA
 

scottyno

late Bloomer
SoSH Member
Dec 7, 2008
11,304
Might be small sample size, but I don't remember him having a mid range jumper that actually looked competent pre injury compared to the few he's taken since the restart including the scrimmages. If that's real and his offensive game is more than just put backs and alley oops that would be huge for his future potential.
 

lovegtm

Member
SoSH Member
Apr 30, 2013
11,997
Feels notable that TL did not get mop-up duty tonight.
They were already playing intense defense, but he changed the feel of the game when he came in early. Not even so much that it was way better than Theis (who played out of his mind), but just a totally different style that was effective. I'm always so impressed by his offensive IQ.
 

wade boggs chicken dinner

Member
SoSH Member
Mar 26, 2005
30,500
Might be small sample size, but I don't remember him having a mid range jumper that actually looked competent pre injury compared to the few he's taken since the restart including the scrimmages. If that's real and his offensive game is more than just put backs and alley oops that would be huge for his future potential.
He took a few of the jumpers in summer league but thus far (very SSS) the results are better. I hope he worked on the during Hiatus because as you note, it's a very good weapon for him.
 

reggiecleveland

sublime
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Mar 5, 2004
27,957
Saskatoon Canada
Feels notable that TL did not get mop-up duty tonight.
Seems he is establishing a role. For example he played against Ibaka while Theis had Gasol vs Raptors. If he gets his feet moving better on the perimiter, ball screen coverages he can really be something.
He does created a different problem while on Offence since he a lob threat and they can just let him cycle under the board and try to get switches with different screen options, Tatum, Brown screening for each other for example. Theis is just not big enough vertical enough to be the same threat.
The Cs were downing/icing screens sending Lowry, VanV towards TL, and a mid sized guy (Hayward, Brown,Tatum) could handle Ibaka on switch, while Gasol hurt them. TL is not great on some ball screen covergaes and gets hurt by guys that roll hard, especially against bigger guards that can pass over around Kemba.
I hope for a long run through the playoffs and TL is chess piece and play a lot against some teams, then not at all vs others. Same goes for Kanter.
 

benhogan

Granite Truther
SoSH Member
Nov 2, 2007
20,112
Santa Monica
Although I've been a TL skeptic, it's nice to see him play well in the bubble. He has carved out a role as a mobile perimeter 5 + rim protector. Looks like CBS will rotate him with Theis/Enes to create a hybrid 5.

Hopefully, he can stay healthy and build on this for the playoffs and next season.
 

lovegtm

Member
SoSH Member
Apr 30, 2013
11,997
For me the big questions for him were
1. Could he keep learning during the health issues, and with the low reps that entailed?
2. Were the health issues permanent?

The answer to #1 seems to clearly be yes, so the only real blocker to his being an impact rotation player seems to be health. I guess we’ll see...
 

Imbricus

Member
SoSH Member
Jan 26, 2017
4,810
The more I watch him, the more he seems to be a "rise to the challenge" kind of guy. I think his least-impressive moments have come in garbage time, when he seems less engaged, and his most-impressive when they sub him in early and he gets some run with some of the starters, and is trying to prove he belongs out there.
 

Jed Zeppelin

Member
SoSH Member
Aug 23, 2008
51,291
Starting to wonder if the odd time dilation we are all feeling was just residual effect of Robert Williams carrying us all with him to a future where he is both healthy and up to speed with the pace of the NBA.
 

Jimbodandy

Member
SoSH Member
Jan 31, 2006
11,405
around the way
Starting to wonder if the odd time dilation we are all feeling was just residual effect of Robert Williams carrying us all with him to a future where he is both healthy and up to speed with the pace of the NBA.
Perks was going off three games ago about how that one nice performance has earned him playoff minutes. The other two shrugged that off as typical Perk, but now he looks prescient. 2020 is one fucked year.
 

lovegtm

Member
SoSH Member
Apr 30, 2013
11,997
The dude is legit. I just continue to be impressed at his offensive feel and how fast he is getting un-lost on defense.
 

DeJesus Built My Hotrod

Well-Known Member
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Dec 24, 2002
48,207
The dude is legit. I just continue to be impressed at his offensive feel and how fast he is getting un-lost on defense.
And his passing is impressive as well. Its a miniscule sample size but he is 2-2 from 10 feet and out since the restart. The key is that he looks entirely comfortable taking those shots in meaningful minutes. He has to be working on expanding his range. His world becomes a lot bigger if he can develop any semblance of an outside shot.
 

lovegtm

Member
SoSH Member
Apr 30, 2013
11,997
And his passing is impressive as well. Its a miniscule sample size but he is 2-2 from 10 feet and out since the restart. The key is that he looks entirely comfortable taking those shots in meaningful minutes. He has to be working on expanding his range. His world becomes a lot bigger if he can develop any semblance of an outside shot.
An outside shot is nice, but if he can just play defense, set screens, pass, and hit FTs, the man is going to make a lot of money over the next 6-7 years.
 

benhogan

Granite Truther
SoSH Member
Nov 2, 2007
20,112
Santa Monica
basically 3 DNPs to start the bubble.

19/23 FGs & 8/9 FTs in the last 4 games

At this point, CBS has to go with TL a lot more than expected (12-15mpg?). The upside is significant and it's worth the risk after what TL has shown
 

lovegtm

Member
SoSH Member
Apr 30, 2013
11,997
basically 3 DNPs to start the bubble.

19/23 FGs & 8/9 FTs in the last 4 games

At this point, CBS has to go with TL a lot more than expected (12-15mpg?). The upside is significant and it's worth the risk after what TL has shown
I think you’ll see Kanter a lot against Philly (post defense, Philly doesn’t have the PnR guys to punish him enough).

But at the least, TL gives 6 more fouls against Embiid, which is a big deal, and also would likely play 15+/game against the Raps.
 

128

Member
SoSH Member
May 4, 2019
10,016
I'm ever mindful of Winston Wolf's words of wisdom in Pulp Fiction, but if this stretch from Time Lord is not a mirage, he could be a game-changer for the C's in years to come. In a league filled with elite athletes, he's at a different level than most. The possibilities are incredible.
 

benhogan

Granite Truther
SoSH Member
Nov 2, 2007
20,112
Santa Monica
I think you’ll see Kanter a lot against Philly (post defense, Philly doesn’t have the PnR guys to punish him enough).

But at the least, TL gives 6 more fouls against Embiid, which is a big deal, and also would likely play 15+/game against the Raps.
while only 4 games, I hope Brad pushes TLs minutes, his variance is worth the risk. Rob's efficiency may be greater playing next to the C's best (instead of being on the floor w/the Carsen/Greens of the world) and playing more minutes.

So while Kanter should see minutes against Embiid, I'd still want to see TL pushed close to 13mpg in Round 1. TL 2.0 puts the Celtics at the Bucks level
 

lovegtm

Member
SoSH Member
Apr 30, 2013
11,997
while only 4 games, I hope Brad pushes TLs minutes, his variance is worth the risk. Rob's efficiency may be greater playing next to the C's best (instead of being on the floor w/the Carsen/Greens of the world) and playing more minutes.

So while Kanter should see minutes against Embiid, I'd still want to see TL pushed close to 13mpg in Round 1. TL 2.0 puts the Celtics at the Bucks level
You'll see him with their best regardless of the minutes/rotation. The Celtics are healthy, and only Kanter/Wanamaker/TL are gonna be seeing the floor, except for very occasional Semi spaced around the action.
 

chilidawg

Member
SoSH Member
Jan 22, 2015
5,934
Cultural hub of the universe
TL makes Vecenie's top 6 2018 draftees in the bubble list.

"He’s averaged about 12 points, five rebounds and two blocks in just 15 minutes per game. He’s been extremely active defensively and contests everything in his area. The penchant he’s long shown for blocking jump shots has maintained, as his length and sense of timing is a unique weapon. Defensively, he’s a rim protector, but he has enough mobility not to get destroyed on the perimeter sliding his feet in switches and ball screen coverages. You’re not going to say he’s mobile, but he’s not a total liability out there.

Then on offense, Williams is your patented rim-runner who tries to dunk everything and crashes the offensive glass using his length to create second-chance opportunities. He’s at his best as a vertical lob threat finishing above the rim, and you don’t want him putting the ball on the deck really. But he can operate within dribble hand offs and short rolls, as he’s actually a pretty instinctive passer. "

https://theathletic.com/1981945/2020/08/12/vecenie-bubble-showcases-how-the-2018-draft-will-define-the-nbas-next-decade/
 

benhogan

Granite Truther
SoSH Member
Nov 2, 2007
20,112
Santa Monica
I want to better understand this. Can you describe what you mean by TL 2.0?
2.0 = the newer and improved TL that we have witnessed in the last 4 games.

here is the actual definition for 2.0
adjective
  1. used to denote a superior or more advanced version of an original concept, product, service, etc.


If TL plays like this, I'd say its coin toss between Milwaukee or Boston on who wins the EC. He solves a few problems the C's had this season. Bench help and defense at the 5 when Theis went to the bench. We need those 6 extra fouls since Theis gets whistled as soon as he steps on the floor.
 
Last edited:

DeJesus Built My Hotrod

Well-Known Member
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Dec 24, 2002
48,207
An outside shot is nice, but if he can just play defense, set screens, pass, and hit FTs, the man is going to make a lot of money over the next 6-7 years.
Depends on what you consider a lot of money. A player with his skills who can also drag their defender away from the basket credibly goes from being a mid tier player to something pretty special. My guess is that he will improve this area of his game because he is a professional and the income delta is probably not lost on him either.
 

lovegtm

Member
SoSH Member
Apr 30, 2013
11,997
Yeah, I should be clearer wrt "a lot of money." If he can actualize his defensive tools and is healthy, he will get paid $20-27M/year under the current cap structure.

If he actualizes those defensive tools at the most valuable defensive position and has a strong 3 pointer, you start moving into top-15 player territory, with the compensation that implies. My point was more how close he is to already being a very valuable and well-paid man, without needing to hit his wildest upsides.
 

bigq

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 15, 2005
11,084
2.0 = the newer and improved TL that we have witnessed in the last 4 games.

here is the actual definition for 2.0
adjective
  1. used to denote a superior or more advanced version of an original concept, product, service, etc.


If TL plays like this, I'd say its coin toss between Milwaukee or Boston on who wins the EC. He solves a few problems the C's had this season. Bench help and defense at the 5 when Theis went to the bench. We need those 6 extra fouls since Theis gets whistled as soon as he steps on the floor.
Thanks. I love the way he has been playing and agree wrt the 6 extra fouls. I really want to believe that TL’s improved play puts the Celtics at the Bucks level and I hope we get to see that play out.
 

TripleOT

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 4, 2007
7,758
I was at the two games TL first showed something his rookie year, when he didn't back down from KAT and AD, and I have been a believer every since. It's been frustrating that he can't stay on the floor due to injury.

The last half of the bubble season, we saw what he can give this team -- a Jarret Allen type who sets pics, rim runs, and crashes the boards on offense, and a rim protector, rebounder, and decent foot mover on p/r switches on defense. Stevens did a good job giving him real minutes in the bubble.

It's tough to look at such a small sample size, but this season TL shot 73% from the field overall, 80% at the rim, and 9-19 elsewhere. As mentioned above, he could become an outside shooting threat as his career progresses. If Williams could every put together a playoff run similar to his bubble success, he makes the Celtics so much more dangerous. When he's out there with Smart and three wings, the defense can really ratchet up. On offense, his high pick and roll with Smart can either lead to a dunk, or an open three from the wings if the defense collapses.
 

NomarsFool

Member
SoSH Member
Dec 21, 2001
8,159
Where did this offensive game come from all of a sudden? He's his usual shotblocking self on the defensive end, but all of a sudden he's able to get some easy baskets on the offensive end the last two games.
 

CoffeeNerdness

Member
SoSH Member
Jun 6, 2012
8,714
Playing alongside Kemba, JT, and Jaylen and not Semi and Wanamaker can't hurt. Besides the rainbow J from the foul line he looks like the same offensive player to me; living on lobs, dunks, and put backs. His athleticism and quickness under the basket is killing Toronto.
 

slamminsammya

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 31, 2006
9,154
San Francisco
He still seems to be always a step late on defense. I wonder how much of that is a playing time issue and how much is he is just slow with his instincts. Some guys get it eventually and some don't (KAT lookin at you), somehow I think he won't figure it out during these playoffs.
 

scottyno

late Bloomer
SoSH Member
Dec 7, 2008
11,304
Theis Williams and Kanter are making combined about 40% of what Horford got from Philly. Point Danny.
 

lovegtm

Member
SoSH Member
Apr 30, 2013
11,997
Theis Williams and Kanter are making combined about 40% of what Horford got from Philly. Point Danny.
Yup, and they were going to keep TL+Theis regardless.

So basically they paid Kanter $5M/year to handle Embiid and maybe some Lakers work, and are fine at C against everyone else, especially w Grant as a small 5 option.