In doing so, New Orleans’ best way to address its weakness at the five could be through free agency. If that’s the route they take, there\u2019s no better option than Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams.<\/p>\n
The former Celtics big man is coming off the second healthiest season of his career, appearing in 59 games for Portland, and could bring both experience and upside while filling a need for the Pelicans.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s time to bring the \u201cTime Lord\u201d to New Orleans<\/p>\n
Sure, it may seem like a huge risk to bring in a center like Williams, who has had an injury-plagued career, but that risk could be worth the reward. As the primary backup center for Portland, he posted averages of 6.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 2.1 stocks (steals + blocks) per game. Those numbers are incredible, and while he may not have that same freaky athleticism that helped him build a name in Boston, as a basketball player, he\u2019s only getting better.<\/p>\n
After pretty much spending three straight seasons primarily on the sidelines, Williams’ processing and decision-making are elite for a center. He reads short role situations better than ever, is timing blocks better, and is bringing elite anticipation to the glass.<\/p>\n
On top of that, he has started showing flashes as a floor spacer. I\u2019m not one of those people who believe that Zion Williamson needs a stretch five<\/a> to be successful, but it would be a nice luxury to have. As the season progressed, the \u201cTime Lord\u201d flashed more of a willingness to pull threes than ever in his career. In Boston, Williams was always comfortable taking mid-range shots, and now that confidence has started to grow in his outside shot.<\/p>\n This season, he\u2019s only attempting 0.4 threes per game but is converting on a 39.1 percent clip and has consistent shooting mechanics. Although the release and load are slow, Williams shoots his three-ball with confidence and even took three, going 1-for-3 against the Spurs in Portland’s round one opener.<\/p>\n With Robert Williams hitting free agency for the first time in his career and New Orleans in need of a defensive anchor at the five, this could be a match made in heaven for both parties.<\/p>\n
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