Shelden Williams: Big Man, Big Heart, Big Numbers

I know we're only about a week into the NBA season, but the Boston Celtics are looking unbeatable.

In addition, the team's latest addition of Shelden Williams is paying off for Celtics coach Doc Rivers. Rivers has praised the former Duke star on numerous occasions and just believes it's a matter of tapping into how to get Williams to release his full potential on the court.

Through the first few games of the season, Williams has been a workhorse on the hardwood.

Go ahead and break out the Most Improved Player Award and hand it over to Shelden Williams.

Williams has been a beast in the last two games for the Celtics, almost putting up a double-double on Oct. 28 (12 PTS, 9 REB, 3 AST, 1 BLK, 1 STL, 22 MIN) before accomplishing that feat on Oct. 30 (10 PTS, 10 REB, 2 AST, 2 BLK, 24 MIN) in a remarkable performance.

As a die-hard Rockets fan since birth (although I bleed Duke blue), it's normally difficult for me to cheer on or watch other NBA teams.

But Williams makes it easy to cheer for the men in green; the former No. 5 overall pick's hustle and pure passion for the game are truly beginning to shine this season in Boston.

While watching a pair of hoops games on Friday night (got to love that first free week of NBA League Pass), I was in awe watching a duo of former Dukies (Williams in Boston on one TV, J.J. Redick in Orlando on the other) put on a show.

Yes, it's very early in the season, but Williams has been beyond impressive thus far.

A proud new father and family man, Williams is the Celtics' new big man with a big heart.

And so far, he's putting up big numbers.

Keep up the solid work, Shelden. It's great to see a former Dukie shine in the spotlight...

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Denton Ramsey may be reached via email at [e-mail].