Grant Williams admits to ‘unprofessional’ 2 weeks in last Celtics season

“I kind of had perspective,” Williams told Himmelsbach. “Even after the season and before the Kristaps trade, I had some understanding of what I was trying to accomplish in free agency, and where I saw myself moving forward.”

Williams’s free agency wish came to fruition earlier in July. The Mavericks gave him a four-year, $54 million deal that he was reportedly seeking from the Celtics prior to the season, leading to a sign-and-trade to send Williams to Dallas. 

Even though Williams spoke fondly of his time with the Celtics in his interview with Himmelsbach and in other recent interviews, he admitted that the end of this past season was difficult for him, causing him to act a certain way.

“I had a two-week span of being unprofessional, which I look back on and I’m disappointed in myself with,” Williams said. “I had to be able to realize that being professional isn’t just about when you’re having success. It’s also about your darkest days.”

Williams formed a friendship with Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla during the 2022 offseason, according to Himmelsbach. The two reportedly spent time together in Europe last summer. 

Though there was speculation of some sort of falling out between Williams and Mazzulla, the former Celtics forward told Himmelsbach they’re on good terms, even if he didn’t see the court as much as he would’ve liked last season.

“The thing is, professionally you can always have different opinions, different outlooks about yourself and the team,” Williams said. “But personally, that bond never changes. I’m going to be there for him and his family and his sons any day that they need me. Personally, I always will love him as a friend. Although it may not have gone how we both expected this season, we still have a ton of respect for one another. So I’ll always speak highly of him because he deserves it. He’s a good man and a good coach.”

Williams was one of two notable players to depart the Celtics this offseason. The other, of course, was Marcus Smart, who was moved in the trade to acquire Porzingis. 

While the Celtics haven’t brought in a veteran guard yet to potentially replace Smart’s spot on the roster, Boston has added a couple of forwards. Oshae Brissett agreed to a veteran minimum deal with the Celtics just hours after free agency opened. Jordan Walsh, who the Celtics selected with the No. 38 overall pick, could also compete for whatever minutes Williams was in line for this season.