It’s time for a new era of Boston Celtics basketball.
With the star-studded roster featuring Kyrie Irving and Al Horford likely to be broken up soon due to the impending free agency, Grant Williams seems to be the newest face that Celtics fans are already infatuated with.
Sure, he has yet to step foot on an NBA court; but so far, the No. 22 pick in the 2019 draft has pushed all the right buttons in fitting in with the Celtics franchise and fan base.
Surrounded by friends and family, Williams was immediately showered with love and couldn’t resist a smile following his selection Thursday night.
He began his quest to becoming the most-liked Celtics draft pick shortly after. Maybe it was praising the Boston stars from all eras of basketball including Kevin McHale, Kevin Garnett, Marcus Smart, and more.
Or perhaps it was a couple days later, when he told the media that he wanted to do whatever it took to bring the next banner here.
Head Coach Brad Stevens is high on Williams as well. He focused on the 20-year-old’s ability to be a jack of all trades on the basketball court.
Stevens also gushed at how impressed he was with Williams just by having a conversation with the young man. That personality is what makes the Texas native so overly likable. He is affable and well-spoken. Humble, yet confident.
On top of all that, the University of Tennessee product is interested in hobbies even when he’s not testing his strength –– which was good for 96th percentile out of current NBA players per P3 Biomechanics. He plays a multitude of instruments, has participated in national chess tournaments, and shows his competitive side in matches of Catan.
Whether Williams is showing off his contagious smile in interviews, or laughing about accidentally posting an Instagram story that featured a marijuana-themed billboard, one thing seems certain: This kid is going to be loved by Boston.
Catch him beginning his NBA career in the Summer League, with the Celtics playing their first game against the Philadelphia 76ers on July 6. Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m. ET.
