Kofi Inkoom
Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III is set to undergo right knee surgery, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Williams sustained a knee injury during the team’s recent defeat to the Memphis Grizzlies, putting an end to the Blazers’ winning streak and bolstering the Grizzlies’ aspirations as they secured their first victory of the season.
Wojnarowski also mentions that discussions with medical professionals and Williams’ agent are underway to determine the required procedure and the expected duration of the recovery process.
Williams becomes the latest addition to the list of injured Blazers, joining the ranks of Scoot Henderson, Ian Wainwright, and Anfernee Simons, who is currently sidelined following thumb surgery just a few days ago.
Williams has been serving as a backup for another new addition to the Blazers, Deandre Ayton. He was part of the trade package that brought Jrue Holiday to Boston, with Portland also acquiring Malcolm Brogdon and draft assets in that major deal.
In his initial six games with Portland, Williams had an average of 6.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks. Throughout his career, he has also missed games due to various injuries, including those to his hip, back, ankle, foot, and toe.
This new injury actually presents a significant setback for the Blazers and Williams, who has faced persistent knee issues in his career, as aforementioned.
Irrespective of the surgical choice he makes, it’s reasonable to expect that Williams will be out of action at least until Christmas, if not longer, but additional information will be shared when needed.
In the absence of Williams, Toumani Camara, Moses Brown, and Jabari Walker are potential candidates to assume more significant responsibilities behind the starting center, Deandre Ayton.