When the order of the NBA draft is announced, it’s a tense moment for fans of rebuilding teams. Everyone wants that top pick. That’s true in any given season, but this year, it was especially significant.
After all, this year’s prize was Victor Wembanyama. Some believe that he’s the best NBA prospect since Lebron James. The team that landed Wembanyama would instantly have one of the brightest futures in the NBA. That team turned out to be the San Antonio Spurs.
Now, the question is this: what will the Spurs do next? Many expect them to acquire a big man to pair with Wembanyama. Wembanyama will be one of the tallest players in the NBA, but he may be too thin to play the 5 right off the bat. Could the Spurs pair him with Robert Williams III of the Boston Celtics?
The Trade Proposal
Boston Celtics Receive: F Doug McDermott, 2025 First-Round Pick (ATL via SAS)
San Antonio Spurs Receive: F/C Robert Williams III, G Payton Pritchard
Wembanyama is a potentially generational prospect. There isn’t a player like this in every class. Luckily, teams don’t need a player like Wembanyama to contend for the title.
Look at the Celtics. They didn’t draft a generational prospect once when they were rebuilding their team. Instead, they’re built around a pair of third-overall picks. The Celtics took Jaylen Brown at that spot in 2016, and they picked Jayson Tatum in the same spot the following year. So far, it’s worked out pretty well.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Robert Williams III, Boston Celtics & San Antonio Spurs Updates
In fact, the Celtics went to the NBA Finals two years ago. This has been a successful rebuild. With that said Boston only advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals last season. That’s a successful year, but it was a regression for this club. Does this deal get them back to the Finals?
Why The Boston Celtics Do The Deal
It’s hard to say. In a vacuum, it shouldn’t. The Celtics are giving up the best player in this deal. Why would a contending team do that?
Well, the Celtics could have a few reasons. Williams III is routinely injured. At this point, the Celtics may have lost faith in him. Perhaps that’s why they acquired Kristaps Porzingis this summer. Between him and Al Horford, the Celtics may be able to spare Williams III.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Robert Williams III, Boston Celtics & San Antonio Spurs Updates
Moreover, they could probably spare Pritchard. This team just gave Jaylen Brown the biggest extension in NBA history. The Celtics will need to manage their cap, and Pritchard is due for an extension next summer. Should the Spurs give it to him?
Why The San Antonio Spurs Do The Deal
Well, Pritchard isn’t a mere throw-in here. This is the type of young player this team could use. Pritchard is an elite shooter. That skill will offset Trae Jones’ skillset, who’s a better floor manager that struggles with his jumper.
Still, this is about Williams III. Yes, he’s a risk. Williams III is not a very durable player. Still, when healthy, he’s outstanding. Williams III is one of the best defensive big men in the NBA. He’s an elite rim protector who can survive switches. That’s a rare and valuable skill set in the modern NBA.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Robert Williams III, Boston Celtics & San Antonio Spurs Updates
Moreover, imagine him paired with Wembanyama. The Spurs could employ some dominant switch-everything defensive schemes with this duo anchoring them. If they’re willing to take a risk on Williams III’s health, the Spurs shouldn’t hesitate to make this deal. They’re losing a first-round pick – but they’ve already made the most important selection they’ll make for decades.
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