Another devastating setback for Time Lord.
Chris Forsberg and Eddie House offer their instant reaction to reports that Robert Williams suffered an injury to his right knee that may require season-ending surgery.
Robert Williams III can’t catch a break.
The former Boston Celtics center, now with the Portland Trail Blazers, exited Sunday’s game vs. the Memphis Grizzlies with a right knee injury and did not return. On Monday, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski revealed Williams will require surgery.
Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III will require right knee surgery, sources tell ESPN. Conversations with doctors and his agent are ongoing about the kind of procedure necessary for Williams and how long of a timeline will be needed for recovery. pic.twitter.com/zhStKii8hl
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 6, 2023
The Athletic’s Shams Charania adds that the surgery, which would repair bone and ligament damage, could end Williams’ season. Another option is a cleanup procedure that would give Williams a recovery timetable of two to three months.
Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III is facing potential season-ending surgery to repair bone and ligament damage due to right kneecap injury, sources tell me and @JaredWeissNBA. Williams and doctors could also choose cleanup procedure with 2-to-3 month timetable.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 7, 2023
UPDATE (Nov. 10): Williams will undergo season-ending surgery, according to Wojnarowski. He’s expected to be fully recovered for the 2024-25 season.
This marks yet another devastating setback for the 26-year-old big man. He suffered a torn meniscus in his left knee just before the 2022 NBA playoffs, then missed the start of the 2022-2023 season with the Celtics after undergoing an arthroscopic procedure on the same knee.
Injuries plagued Williams throughout his first five years in the NBA with Boston. He played in more than 50 games only twice during that span.
The Celtics sent Williams, veteran guard Malcolm Brogdon, and two future first-round picks to the Trail Blazers last month as part of the trade that brought Jrue Holiday to Boston.
Williams averaged 6.8 points and 6.3 rebounds in 19.8 minutes through six games with Portland.
