A curious DNP for Grant Williams

The Celtics earned a key win on Wednesday in opposition to the Cavaliers, and the 117-113 remaining rating doesn’t point out how a lot they managed the sport. However misplaced within the headlines was Grant Williams receiving his first DNP-CD of the season.

Earlier than final evening, the 4th 12 months ahead had performed in 61 of 62 video games, averaging 8.4 factors in 27.3 minutes whereas taking pictures 45.7 % from the sector and 40.4 % from three. In eleven February video games, his subject objective proportion dropped to 33% and three-point to 32.5%.

Head coach Joe Mazzulla stated it wasn’t a performance-based resolution, and supplied a one-word reply when requested concerning the DNP: “matchups.” In successfully Williams’ spot within the rotation, newly-acquired Mike Muscala introduced “the power to stretch the ground… He provides a degree of size, rim safety, and physicality within the paint.”

“When Mike was in, we have been capable of play a distinct defensive lineup,” Mazzulla went on to say. “Didn’t need to swap these guys as a lot in that second unit. Due to their sub patterns, we went larger.”

Whatever the matchups, Grant’s minutes have declined for the reason that All-Star break. He solely performed 16 minutes in Boston’s 15-point loss in opposition to the Knicks and 6 minutes of their 4-point additional time win in opposition to the Pacers. He performed his regular load of 29 minutes in Saturday evening’s victory in opposition to the Sixers, and Joel Embiid shot 2-of-6 with Grant as the first defender, the one Celtic to carry him below 50 % taking pictures.

Though Mazzulla stated he wished to keep away from switching, Donovan Mitchell nonetheless discovered methods to hunt Al Horford. Within the second half, Mitchell shot 5-of-6 with Horford as the first defender. After he scored 19 factors within the third quarter, you’d suppose Grant — probably the greatest bigs within the NBA at defending smaller guards — would get some minutes.

As a substitute, Horford performed 33 minutes, Robert Williams performed 31, and Mike Muscala performed 11. Horford had one among his finest performances of the season, hitting his first eight pictures and ending with 23 factors and 11 rebounds. He’s averaged 31 minutes a recreation this season, and contemplating his age, I wouldn’t thoughts seeing his minutes decreased for the ultimate 20 video games so he’s recent for the playoffs. The 24-year-old Grant, conversely, doesn’t want a minutes restriction.

Was Cleveland’s duo of Evan Mobley and Jarret Allen a nasty matchup for him? I don’t purchase that. Mobley creates matchup issues along with his versatility, however Grant is stronger and faster, and whereas he’d have a tough time contesting the 7-footer’s shot, Mobley’s solely taking pictures 21 % from deep this 12 months. Allen has the apparent dimension benefit, however Grant’s confirmed he can battle on the block with larger gamers (see: him forcing Embiid right into a 17-foot fadeaway in direction of the top of Saturday’s recreation). Moreover, the specter of Grant’s taking pictures would deliver Allen away from the paint on offense.

I don’t imagine we’ll see too many (if any) extra DNP-CD’s for Grant. It was stunning that he didn’t play final evening however I can’t think about this turns into a development.

Grant is anticipating a payday this offseason. The Celtics reportedly didn’t provide something greater than $50 million throughout extension negotiations, and he’s sure to command greater than that. Marc Stein reported that he’s on the lookout for a contract that pays $20 million yearly. As a restricted free agent, Boston has the power to match any provide sheets.

“Grant, he is aware of what he brings to this crew and the kind of participant he’s,” Jaylen Brown stated in assist of his teammate. “Grant has helped us get to the Finals final 12 months. So clearly, we’re going to want him. So, preserve his head, he’s gonna be aight. He’s an expert, so we simply gotta preserve transferring ahead.”

The DNP, if something, highlights the depth of this Celtic squad. Most groups depend on 7 or 8 guys to play heavy minutes every evening, however Boston can simply go 10 deep. Usually, this results in guys getting buried on the bench who should play (see: Payton Pritchard). However profitable cures every little thing, and Mazzulla’s resolution led to a win in opposition to a Cavs crew that gave the Celtics issues earlier within the 12 months. I’d be shocked if Grant didn’t get again to his regular 25-Half-hour this Friday in opposition to the Nets.