He Is Now Everything the Celtics Need, But They Gave Up on the Postseason Standout Too Soon

The Boston Celtics have long been praised for their strong front office, deep roster, and championship aspirations. But as the NBA playoffs rage on, one player they once let slip through their fingers is blossoming elsewhere — and he’s become exactly what Boston desperately needs.

That player is Grant Williams.

Once a reliable rotational piece for the Celtics, Williams brought defensive tenacity, versatile shooting, and the kind of gritty play that defines postseason basketball. But in the summer of 2023, Boston parted ways with the forward, trading him to the Dallas Mavericks in a sign-and-trade deal. The move seemed logical at the time — the Celtics were aiming for a more star-heavy approach with the addition of Kristaps Porziņģis and Jrue Holiday. But in hindsight, losing Williams may have cost them a critical edge in their championship pursuit.

In Dallas, Williams initially had an up-and-down stint, but it wasn’t until his move to the Charlotte Hornets midseason that he began truly showing his worth. Freed from the constraints of a crowded rotation and finding his rhythm as a two-way leader, Williams is now playing the best basketball of his career. His defensive IQ, toughness, and willingness to take big shots have turned him into a postseason standout — ironically, the exact role he once held in Boston before being underutilized in his final year with the team.

The Celtics, meanwhile, have struggled at times with their bench production and interior grit. In tight playoff contests, they’ve missed the hustle plays and vocal leadership that Williams brought. With Porziņģis sidelined due to injury, Boston’s frontcourt has lacked physicality and switchable defense — qualities that Williams delivered in abundance during past playoff runs.

What’s more frustrating for Boston fans is that Williams wanted to stay. He expressed his love for the city and the team on multiple occasions, but contractual disagreements and shifting priorities pushed him out the door.

Now, as Williams thrives in the spotlight elsewhere, the Celtics are left watching a homegrown talent they helped develop become a difference-maker — just not for them.

In the end, it’s a lesson in patience and value. Sometimes the perfect piece is already in your locker room. And in letting Grant Williams go, Boston may have let their X-factor walk out with him.

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