Kofi Inkoom
Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN has confirmed that Robert Williams III, the center for the Portland Trail Blazers, will have to undergo a season-ending surgical procedure on his right knee.
This decision comes in the aftermath of Williams III sustaining injuries to his kneecap and ligaments during a recent loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday.
Wojnarowski also noted that Williams III is anticipated to make a complete recovery in time for the commencement of the 2024-2025 season.
This setback is truly devastating for a young, promising player who has already faced significant health challenges since entering the NBA as the 27th overall pick in 2018.
Prior to this season, the 26-year-old had only managed to participate in 209 out of 390 potential regular season games during his first five years in the league as a member of the Boston Celtics.
In his debut year with the Portland Trail Blazers, he will only be able to play in six out of 82 games.
During his healthiest season, in 2021/22, Williams came close to averaging a double-double with stats of 10.0 points per game, 9.6 rebounds per game, 2.2 blocks per game, and an impressive 73.6% field goal percentage.
Williams was part of the trade deal in which Portland acquired him from Boston in exchange for Jrue Holiday.
The Trail Blazers currently have one available slot on their standard 15-man roster, which they may consider using to bolster their frontcourt depth.
As of now, Robert Williams, Scoot Henderson, Anfernee Simons, Ish Wainwright and Malcolm Brogdon, pending official update from the team, are all sidelined for the Blazers.