I think Time Lords athleticism and passing will keep earning him chances and optimism. He can do things that a Theis just can’t and never will be able to. Theis’ shooting isn’t that valuable because nobody respects it so he doesn’t space the floor. If TL can improve his fundamentals and mental game, and of course stay healthy, he has upside beyond the other big men on the roster. That’s why Danny and Brad are going to keep dreaming on him publicly.
Also, the idea that because TL has been hurt a lot his first 1.5 years that it will always be the case is just wrong. Pessimism is warranted but some of the language in here has sounded far too conclusive.
I do agree with the fungible argument at a high level. I don’t think TL is a particularly valuable guy at the moment. But I also think the Celtics would be wise to go with a portfolio approach to big men and trading TL for somebody with a higher floor and lower ceiling doesn’t make sense to me unless there’s something that guy can do fundamentally different/better than what they have. They’ve got their versatile solid role player, their immobile plus rebounder with size to body up big men, and their undersized smart guy with a developing outside shot. A guy who can jump out of the gym with 20 foot arms and who can dominate in a pick and role/lob game but needs to get more fundamentally sound is a good thing to have.
If it's true that we overrate our draft picks, then Rob Williams is exhibit A.
What skill, other than vertical leap, is special with TL? I keep hearing about his elite passing, but his Asst/36, Asst% or Asst/TO is nothing special for a 5.
The best thing about TL's offensive game is the few shots he takes are open layups/dunks. If "
nobody respects Theis shooting", how should they feel about TL? Over his career, Rob has a grand total of 1 FGM outside of 8', I'd venture to guess that places him dead last in the NBA. His screen setting is meh. He's fun to watch on rim rolls, but the entire NBA knows that's his complete offensive repertoire.
He was still getting lost on defense earlier this season, 3 months off, I can't imagine it will suddenly be any better. His ON/OFF was a dreadful -10.4 last season. This season not much better at -6.
As far as injuries, he played in 11 straight games, a personal best for TL, prior to going down on Dec. 6th. Then injured for months. I'll be shocked if he can play the last 25 games/playoffs this season. If people feel that is overstating injury concerns then you need to review the # of
"didn't dress/inactive" due to injuries since being a Celtic.
Agreed, the portfolio approach is the right strategy in regards to the 5. BUT in order for it to work, you need to play guys like Theis/Kanter limited, specific matchup minutes. When the 3rd member of the portfolio isn't there, then it turns into a classic 5 rotation. Theis/Kanter will eventually get exposed and be overtaxed. It's fine to dream on prospects but that's why the NBA has the G-league and the Celtics have Tacko. It's getting to the end of the season, development minutes are over, players need to show up and be efficient.