ATLANTAAs expected, the Boston Celtics have bolstered their frontcourt depth with the addition of former Boston College star Sean Williams.
To make room for Williams, the Celtics waived Jermaine O'Neal who underwent season-ending wrist surgery.
Williams will be in uniform for tonight's game against the Atlanta Hawks.
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His off-the-court issues both at Boston College and in the NBA are well-documented. But he has stayed relatively drama-free of late, which was among the reasons why the C's feel comfortable adding him to the mix.
"He's done well. It looks like he's matured a little bit," said C's coach Doc Rivers. "We'll find that out. But as a player, he can block shots, he can rebound, he can run the floor. So we're going to give him an honest look."
The timing of adding a high-reward, low-risk talent like Williams bodes well for the Celtics.
This time of year, Boston is looking for ways to give its Big Four some much-needed rest heading into the playoffs.
That will in itself afford Williams some playing time. That, coupled with a schedule that allows for at least a practice or two in the coming days, will also help speed up the process of him becoming more comfortable with his new team.
Williams, who spent eight games with the Dallas Mavericks this year as well as 27 games with the Texas Legends of the D-League, is excited about the opportunity he has with the Celtics.
"I'm thankful to be here, with these guys," Williams said prior to taking the court for the C's morning walk-thru. "Come out here and work hard, try to work towards getting a championship."
In addition to Dallas, Williams also spent some time with the New Jersey Nets. Among his teammates in New Jersey was current Celtic Keyon Dooling.
"Sean's an extremely athletic player who gives 100 percent effort every time he's on the court," Dooling said. "Obviously when we were in New Jersey he was a lot younger so maturity was a factor. But I think the journey that he's taken over the past couple of years, his basketball career, has definitely grown him up. Hopefully he can reach his full potential, because he definitely has a lot of upside."