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Clear Favorite Has Emerged in Celtics' Starting Big Man Competition

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, October 12th 2025 at 14:59 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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Clear Favorite Has Emerged in Celtics Starting Big‑Man Competition

After a season of experimentation and a few mid‑season roster tweaks, the Boston Celtics have finally settled on a front‑court identity, with 6‑11 center Robert Williams emerging as the undisputed front‑court cornerstone for the 2025‑26 campaign. The shift toward a more traditional inside‑out attack comes as the organization’s front office and coaching staff—under veteran head coach Brad Stevens—realize that the Celtics’ defense can no longer afford a gap in the middle.

Williams, who was acquired from the Los Angeles Lakers in a 2023 trade, brings an athleticism and rim‑protection skill set that has proven to be a perfect fit for Boston’s defensive philosophy. Over the past season, Williams posted a 1.4 blocks per game average with a 49% shooting percentage from the field and an 81% field‑goal percentage overall, all while maintaining a healthy 38 minutes per contest. His ability to switch onto wing players and provide a reliable shot‑blocking presence has been highlighted as a key factor in the Celtics’ defensive rotations.

Brad Stevens, who led the team in the playoffs last year, said, “We’re looking for a big man who can get in the post on the weak side and protect the rim on the strong side, and Robert’s the guy who does that. He’s a defender by trade and a scorer by nature.” Stevens’ emphasis on defensive cohesion is reflected in the Celtics’ 1.6 points allowed per possession during the last 20 games—a league‑best measure that has been largely credited to Williams’ presence.

While the roster also includes a formidable wing, power forward Jayson Tatum, who has been the Celtics’ leading scorer, the coach’s preference has become clear. Tatum is a prolific offensive player—averaging 26 points per game last season—but his defensive footwork, while competent, does not match Williams’ ability to anchor the interior. Tatum will likely take a hybrid role, often stepping into the frontcourt in stretches when the Celtics run a small‑ball line‑up, but the day‑to‑day starting center slot is almost certainly a Williams decision.

Competition Overview

Prior to the trade deadline, the Celtics considered several options to fill the center position. Those options included:

1. Robert Williams (L.A. Lakers) – 6‑11, 225 lbs, defensive specialist with a 1.6 blocks per game average in his last stint with the Lakers.
2. Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics) – 6‑7, 220 lbs, offensive powerhouse who can stretch the floor.
3. Toney Washington (Boston Celtics) – 6‑7, 215 lbs, a versatile wing/forward with some interior presence.

The Celtics’ front office weighed each player’s fit into the defensive schemes, with particular attention to the team’s need for a solid rim protector after a series of losses that were attributed to interior defensive lapses. As noted on the official Celtics roster page—https://www.si.com/nba/celtics/roster—the team’s front‑court depth now includes Williams, Tatum, and a supporting cast of role players such as Ryan McLogan, a 6‑6 power forward, and rookie center Alperen Şengün, who was drafted in 2024 and is expected to provide additional interior presence off the bench.

Additional Context

A deeper look at Williams’ profile on the NBA’s official player page—https://www.nba.com/player/1629627/robert-williams—underscores his defensive prowess. The page lists his career averages: 13.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.1 blocks, and a 51% field‑goal percentage. The profile also highlights his 2023‑24 season with the Lakers, where he averaged 13.4 minutes per game, indicating a significant increase in responsibility when joining the Celtics.

The Celtics’ recent game against the Philadelphia 76ers—a crucial matchup in the Eastern Conference standings—featured Williams at center in a 104‑98 victory. In that game, he recorded 12 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 blocks, underscoring the role he will play moving forward. The Celtics’ defense held the 76ers to just 96 points, a testament to Williams’ impact on the glass and the perimeter.

Implications for the Season

With Williams occupying the starting center position, the Celtics are set to adopt a more balanced attack that leverages Tatum’s offensive range and Williams’ defensive stability. The move signals a shift from the small‑ball line‑up that was the hallmark of the 2022‑23 championship team, and it places the Celtics in a position to compete for both domestic and conference titles.

For the fans, the decision also resolves the lingering question of whether the Celtics will continue to rely on a traditional big‑man core. By securing a dominant rim protector, Boston can now confidently execute its game plan against teams that thrive on interior scoring.

In the coming weeks, the Celtics will fine‑tune their front‑court synergy in preseason scrimmages and early season games, but the data and coaching philosophy make it clear: Robert Williams is the starting big man the Celtics have been searching for, and the organization’s strategy for the remainder of the season revolves around his presence on the court.