“I think we started the season by building systems on both ends of the floor with the whole team in mind,” Mazura said. “It’s going to be a seamless transition because he fits perfectly with everything we do and has the ability to help on both ends of the floor.”
No date has been set for Williams’ full practice or return to competition, but things definitely seem to be headed in that direction. I made it clear that I was careful not to go too far or too fast.
“I’m happy with his progress and his efforts towards his comeback,” Mazura said. He’s in good shape as far as patience goes, and he’s doing the job he needs to do.”
Williams, who was named to the All-Defensive Second Team last season, returned midway through the playoff series opener against the Nets after missing nearly a month after surgery for a torn meniscus in his left knee in March. . He often appeared to be limping during the postseason, but the Celtics were convinced he needed an offseason rest to get back into form.
Then, as I ramped up my training for training camp in September, some of the pain returned and I opted for the latest surgery. Despite what seemed like a big setback for the Celtics, what the team has continued without him is a top rank built around filling his court with his 3-point shooter. Thanks to the offense of
“People don’t realize how valuable and important Rob is to our team and our success,” Celtics forward Jayson Tatum said. We can’t, but on both ends his presence makes us better, and what we’re doing without Rob is pretty impressive.”
The Celtics are confident Williams’ return will raise their ceiling. Williams rarely shoots off the perimeter, but he’s an excellent passer and a devastating lob threat. His protective effectiveness as a rim protector is even more evident.
“He will help us with our spacing in attack,” Mazura said. So both systems were built for our entire team, so it would be a seamless transition if we got it. ”
Mazura would also like to see the emotional boost that Williams’ return would provide.
“I think it’s just friendship,” he said. “The players love playing with each other and when they are out they are very supportive of each other when they come back. So they are really excited to have a full team. I see it in them.
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Mazura has missed the last two games with a swollen right ankle, and guard Marcus Smart said he completed shooting training Sunday morning and is “going really well” ahead of Monday’s game against the Bulls. Guard Malcolm Brogdon, who returned Friday after missing four games with a stiff hamstring, made it through the Pelicans’ game without a hitch.
Adam Himmelsbach can be reached at adam.himmelsbach@globe.com. follow him on twitter @adamhimmelsbach.
