BOSTON -- Robert Williams III has never really warmed up all that much to the Time Lord nickname.
But now that Timex has shown some interest … “That’s another story,” Williams III said with a grin.
While Williams III has not played a ton, his potential - both as a player and from a marketing standpoint - is undeniable.
Whenever he steps on the parquet at the TD Garden, there is a noticeable rise from the crowd, eager to see him do something, anything positive on the floor.
And lately, he has been given such an opportunity and more often than not, has not disappointed.
Boston Celtics
Find the latest Boston Celtics news, highlights, analysis and more with NBC Sports Boston.
“Just keeping that next-man-up mentality,” said Williams. “Just focus on getting in there, doing what they ask me to do.”
He has been feasting on lob dunks as his primary means of scoring, but it has been his ability to block shots that has caught the eye of many.
Friday was a banner night for the rookie in tallying a career-high five blocked shots.
And Williams III is getting it done against some of the best in the game, like New Orleans Anthony Davis whose shot was blocked twice by Williams III (we won’t mention the 41 points Davis wound up dropping on the Celtics’ squad).
Celtics head coach Brad Stevens has been among those impressed with the progress he has seen in Williams III.
“He has a chance to be a really good player,” Stevens said. “He does a lot of good things and he’s got a lot of room to grow. That’s the bottom line. The athletic ability is incredible. Everybody can see that; that’s what gets everyone excited.”
But Williams III has shown an increased desire to instead focus more on the areas he needs to improve upon, the kind of thing that shows his growth in understanding of what it will take to be around for a long time - something that many questioned after a few gaffes on his part shortly after being drafted.
Following Wednesday’s victory at Washington, Williams III was in the following day working on parts of his game he felt needed work. And after watching film, he talks with some of the team’s veterans about the best way to handle certain on-the-floor situations better going forward.
Williams III said the team’s veteran bigs have been his “number one resource.”
“They been through it all. You got a lot of guys that have been on playoff teams, championship teams,” Williams said. “So it’s always good and the right thing to do, what they think.”
But those words mean little unless Williams III can deliver when called upon.
“It’s mandatory learning; it’s not that much time for mistakes,” Williams said. “That’s why I go to those guys.”
And it could not come at a better time with Al Horford (knee) out indefinitely and Aron Baynes (ankle) back to playing, but doing so with limited minutes.
“He wants to be good,” Stevens said of Williams III. “He’s worked hard. If he continues that, I don’t see how he’s not successful.”
Click here to download the new MyTeams App by NBC Sports! Receive comprehensive coverage of your teams and stream the Celtics easily on your device.