When the Boston Celtics traded Robert Williams III within the deal that acquired them Jrue Vacation in October of 2023, the middle/energy ahead was presupposed to immediately develop into a key member of the new-look Portland Path Blazers. As a substitute, he has performed 26 complete video games for the franchise. Accidents proceed to outline his profession, with Williams’ newest setback successfully ending his 2024-25 season.
The 27-year-old large man is anticipated to overlook 4 to 6 weeks after present process an arthroscopic process on his infected left knee, per the Blazers’ X account. Fortuitously, he ought to make a full restoration. Followers are low on optimism in the case of Williams’ continual harm points, nevertheless.
Blazers’ Robert Williams III is turning into a tragic “what-if” case
The No. 27 decide within the 2018 NBA Draft is loaded with promise, as evidenced by his 2022 NBA All-Defensive Second-Crew choice, however he simply can’t keep on the court docket. Williams averages solely 20.2 minutes per sport for his profession, displaying how troublesome it’s for coaches to depend on his physique for an prolonged time frame. Normal supervisor Joe Cronin would possibly remorse not shifting him when he had the prospect.
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Portland reportedly sought a first-rounder for Williams’ providers forward of the commerce deadline however finally ended up retaining him. He’s set to earn greater than $13 million within the last yr of his contract subsequent season, placing the group in a little bit of a bind. Buying and selling the 6-foot-9 expertise might be more and more more durable to do following his newest stint on the sidelines.
Robert Williams III final performed on Feb. 20, posting eight factors, six rebounds, two steals and two blocks in 25 minutes of motion in a 110-102 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. Whereas it’s clearly essential for him to quell his lingering irritation, as soon as and for all, his ongoing absence does complicate the Blazers’ pursuit of the ultimate Western Convention slot within the NBA Play-In Event.
Portland (31-39) trails the Phoenix Suns and Dallas Mavericks by two video games for tenth place after profitable three straight. With Deandre Ayton nursing a calf pressure, Chauncey Billups’ frontcourt may run out of fuel earlier than the staff completes a triumphant trek within the West. Friday night time’s dwelling assembly with the Denver Nuggets ought to take a look at that principle.