Celtics Select Texas A&M Big Man Robert Williams In 1st Round

With the 27th pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, the consensus is that the Boston Celtics got an absolute steal. 

That steal came in the form of Texas A&M big man Robert Williams.

The 6-foot-10 center, who boasts a 7-foot-6 wingspan, was projected by many to be a lottery pick, heading into the draft.

Despite the high praise in pre-draft projections, the 20-year-old ended up slipping nearly out of the first round due to some lingering questions about his motor and demeanor.

Even with those questions following him and ultimately forcing him to fall a bit in the draft, the C's are viewed as having gotten great value by taking him with pick number 27.

Williams' abilities defensively, especially as a top shot blocker, instantly gives Boston one of the key things it's lacked over the past few seasons; a true rim protecting big.

According to the ESPN draft analysts, offensive game still needs to develop, as he does not have a good shot and can be a liability at the free throw line. He does have the ability to run the court well, however, and could be effective in pick and roll situations near the rim.

In two seasons at Texas A&M, Williams averaged 11.1 points and 8.7 rebounds per game.

Though the former Aggie comes in with some character questions, the overwhelming thought process is that Boston is a great landing spot for the big man. With a strong head coach in Brad Stevens and a good, young, contending team, many people seem to think the C's will be able to bring out the best in Williams.

The 27th pick was the Celtics' first and only pick of the 2018 NBA Draft.