Celtics rookie Robert Williams knows he has to be accountable

The first-round draft pick joined the summer league team late after missing a flight to Boston on Sunday.

BOSTON – Robert Williams is well aware of the reputation that he is developing before his NBA career even begins.

 There has been talk about work ethic issues at Texas A&M, a two-game suspension at the start of his sophomore season, and then oversleeping for a media conference call the morning after being drafted by the Celtics.

 So when Williams missed a flight on Sunday and was absent from the Celtics’ first summer league team practice, even more red flags were raised.

 On Tuesday morning, prior to a practice session at the Auerbach Center, Williams met the media and discussed the misstep he took over the weekend, which resulted in another bad impression.

 “It was more of a self-upset because people already have a bad image of me, I guess you could say,’’ said Williams. “Missing my flight didn’t help that at all.’’

 The 27th player selected in the June 21st draft, Williams had been at the team’s practice facility last Friday with his family for an introductory press conference.

 He returned home over the weekend but was unable to get to the airport on time Sunday and was forced to take a later flight that arrived after practice was complete.

 “I went home to get a couple of things and just a missed flight,’’ said Williams. “Miscommunication by me, it’s all on me. I’m just looking to push forward and move past that.’’

 Celtics management is not happy with the early miscues made off the court by Williams, who had been projected to be a late lottery pick only to fall to the end of the first round.

 Upon arriving in Massachusetts, Williams met with coach Brad Stevens and has talked with president of basketball operations Danny Ainge.

 Asked if the latest incident was a wakeup call, Williams said, “Yeah, definitely. I talked to coach Stevens when I got back and he obviously explained to me about the opportunities, there aren’t that many. So it’s definitely a wakeup call.

 “Just accountability, which they expressed to me a lot when I first got here. They stressed that this is a job. Things are different in college. The opportunities are limited.

 "They discipline you with words more than you may know. Maybe a couple of extra sprints, I don’t know.’’

 The 6-foot-10 Williams, a defensive player, will conclude practices with the summer league team today and take part in the MGM Resorts Summer League in Las Vegas starting Friday night.

 After missing the team’s first practice, Williams made a strong first impression on Monday, according to assistant coach Jay Larranaga, who is running the squad.

 “He dunks with his elbows, which is a really positive thing,’’ said Larranaga. “He’s been really, really good, really focused, picked up the points of emphasis that we had in practice really well.

 “Day one was good. He’s volleyball-spiking shots and catching the ball with his elbows. He can make an impact on both ends of the floor when he plays with great effort. He has that length and athleticism. I think he’s a very unselfish player. That’s really important in our system.’’

 Williams, a two-time defensive player of the year in the SEC, likes the fact that the Celtics stress defense, something he noticed in only one summer league practice.

 “At A&M, I feel like it was a selective few people who wanted to give 100 percent on defense,’’ said Williams. “With this team, you start on defense and the offense will come. We do defensive drills repeatedly every day. That’s what we thrive off of.’’

 Williams is hoping that the rough beginning is over and looks forward to making strides in Las Vegas where the Celtics play at least five games.

 “It’s just a blessing learning from my coaches and my teammates,’’ said Williams. “I’m just soaking up everything.’’

Jim Fenton may be reached at jfenton@enterprisenews.com. Follow him on Twitter at @JFenton_ent.