NBA Draft 2018: Who were the biggest first-round snubs?
Robert Williams, Texas A&M
Power forward Robert Williams made some interesting decisions after declaring early for the NBA Draft back in March. He declined an invitation to the NBA Draft Combine which didn’t do much to help his case as a solid NBA big man.
Robert Williams: all of the talent, none of the motor. OK that's an exaggeration, but his effort was spotty at best. If anyone can get him playing with consistent intensity, it's Brad Stevens.
— Pat Forde (@ByPatForde) June 22, 2018
Many critics don’t question Williams’ ability but his desire to play the game. If anybody can squeeze it out of him, it’s Brad Stevens. Williams fell all the way to the Boston Celtics with the 27th pick in the first round.
He was projected to be a Top 10-15 pick depending on which mock draft you looked at. A lot of teams, like the Washington Wizards, passed on him for other prospects. It could be a match made in heaven for Williams and the Celtics especially with the young core they’ve already got.
Williams averaged 11.1 points, 8.7 rebounds and 2.5 blocks in two seasons with the Texas A&M Aggies. He played a pivotal role in their run to the Sweet 16 this past season as a presence in the paint. The upside is there for him to be a terror on both ends, so it was interesting to see him fall in the first round.