Celtics Have Signed Terrence Williams to a 10-Day Contract

Posted by Brian Robb on Feb 18, 2013 3513518 commentshttp%3A%2F%2Fcelticshub.com%2F2013%2F02%2F18%2Fceltics-on-verge-of-signing-terrence-williams-to-10-day-contract%2FCeltics+Have+Signed+Terrence+Williams+to+a+10-Day+Contract+2013-02-18+17%3A15%3A24Brian+Robbhttp%3A%2F%2Fcelticshub.com%2F%3Fp%3D35135

UPDATE (1 PM ET): Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe is now reporting the Terrence Williams signing is a “done deal.” 

Danny Ainge told reporters last week he would be bringing in some additional help for the undermanned Celtics for their five-game road trip and he appears to be close to making the first step in that department. According to Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe, the Celtics are on the verge of signing 25-year-old swingman Terrence Williams, who had been playing in China with the Guangdong Southern Tigers of the Chinese Basketball Association. Williams had helped lead that team to a first place finish in the league heading into the CBA playoffs. Here’s more from Washburn:

NBA source tells Globe the #celtics are strongly considering signing former New Jersey Net swingman Terrence Williams to 10-day contract

— gary washburn (@GwashNBAGlobe) February 18, 2013

 

NBA source adds Williams to #celtics is nearly done. He is waiting for clearance letter from Chinese team and headed to Denver to join team

— gary washburn (@GwashNBAGlobe) February 18, 2013

 

More on the situation as it develops. More on what we can expect out of Williams after the jump. 

Williams started his career with the Nets, drafted 11th overall back in 2009. After an up-and-down rookie campaign that had the youngster displaying some poor work habits (showing up late to practice, etc.) Williams was dealt to the Rockets in late 2010. He failed to get into the rotation much there and was ultimately cut in March, before being cut and spending the remainder of the season with the Sacramento Kings.

Williams was in training camp with the Pistons this season, but was cut before the season which led to him ultimately signing  in China.

CH’s Quick Thoughts: We’ll have a more in-depth scouting report in the coming hours, but I really like this move by Danny. Obviously it’s low risk with a 10-day deal, but perhaps more importantly, Williams will help Boston address a major need (if they keep him long-term) on the defensive glass. His 20.1% defensive rebounding rate is outstanding for a player of his size (6-6) and would immediately make him the 3rd best defensive rebounder on the team behind Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett.

The former Louisville star averaged 17.9 ppg for Guangdong this year, with 48% FG shooting and 31% shooting from downtown. He also posted 3.4 rpg, 4.2 apg, and is physically capable of playing anywhere from the 1 to the 3. Perhaps most importantly, Williams has stood out for being a tough physical defender throughout his college and pro career, an extremely important trait for a guy that wants to make an impact for Doc Rivers right away.

Assuming Williams has his character issues behind him, (a safe assumption after a year out of the NBA to humble you), this is a guy that can jump into the rotation right away and help Boston on both sides of the ball with his athleticism.

Here are a few highlights from Williams last year and over his NBA career.