The Portland Trail Blazers just acquired Robert Williams III right before the season. Less than 10 games into the season the 26-year-old center will be required to undergo surgery on his right knee. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski was the first to report the news.
Williams suffered the injury in a loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Nov. 3. With damage to both his kneecap and ligaments. He has dealt with injuries before. He also tore the Meniscus in left knee in March 2022. He missed the start of the 2022-23 season after opting to undergo a second procedure on his left knee in September 2022. Through six games with the Blazers, Williams averaged 6.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.2 steals and 1.2 blocks while shooting 65.4 percent from the floor. While with the Boston Celtics, he had emerged as one of the best rim protectors in the NBA. Though, the absence will open up more oppourtunities for Toumani Camara and Jabari Walker, the loss will surely be felt by a young Portland squad.
According to Wojnarowski, Robert Williams III “had been a trade target of a number of teams who hoped that the Blazers would consider moving him before the February trade deadline.”
Prior to the torn meniscus, Williams had put recognized for his defensive prowess with a second-team All-NBA defensive honor in 2021-2022. With yet another injury derailing his season, Williams will aim to come back stronger in 2024-25. The reports state that he should be back healthy for the start of the 2024 season.
With the Trail Blazers currently No. 13 in the west with a 3-5 record, they’ve dealt with several injuries already this season. Currently both Anfernee Simons and Scoot Henderson are out. Malcolm Brogdon suffered a hamstring strain on Nov. 9.
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