Robert Williams has come a long way since being drafted by the Boston Celtics in 2018.
The fourth-year big man went from being an oft-injured rotational player to a stabilizing presence in the C's starting lineup. His breakout 2021-22 campaign, highlighted by his Defensive Player of the Year candidacy, was recognized by a handful of voters in NBA Most Improved Player voting.
Williams received four third-place votes to finish ninth in the balloting. Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant earned the award with 38 first-place votes (221 total points)
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Williams averaged 10.0 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks through 61 games with the C's this season -- all career-highs. The 24-year-old missed the latter part of the season with a torn left meniscus, but returned to the floor for Game 3 of Boston's first-round series vs. the Brooklyn Nets. He tallied two points and a block in 16 minutes.
Williams will be active again when the Celtics look to complete the series sweep on Monday night.