Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III will be required to undergo season-ending right knee surgery, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.
Williams III, who suffered damage to his kneecap and ligaments in a loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, is expected to be fully recovered for the start of the 2024-2025 season. The big man is expected to undergo surgery next week.
Williams III has appeared in six games for the Blazers this season. He’s averaging 6.8 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.2 blocks while shooting 65.4% from the field and 77.8% from the free-throw line.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Robert Williams III, Portland Trail Blazers Updates
Williams III has shown himself to be one of the league’s elite rim protectors, leading the NBA in field goal percentage allowed as the closest defender among players to defend 1,000 shots, per Second Spectrum.
The Blazers acquired Williams III from the Boston Celtics in the blockbuster Jrue Holiday trade. Williams III signed a four-year, $48 million contract with the Celtics in August 2021. The center is making $11.6 million this season.
Williams III has career averages of 7.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 0.7 steals and 1.7 blocks with the Celtics and Blazers. He missed the start of the 2022-23 season after undergoing an arthroscopic procedure on his left knee.
Williams III is one of the best defenders in the NBA. The Texas A&M product made the 2021-22 All-Defensive Second Team with the Celtics.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Robert Williams III, Portland Trail Blazers Updates
The Blazers, who are in rebuild mode after trading Damian Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks, are 3-5 through eight games.
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