750 The Game 750 The Game Logo

Report: Blazers Center Robert Williams III Needs Season-Ending Knee Surgery

November 10, 2023 11:02AM PST
Share
Report: Blazers Center Robert Williams III Needs Season-Ending Knee Surgery
Memphis Grizzlies guard Marcus Smart, center, passes the ball as Portland Trail Blazers guard Malcom Brogdon, left, and center Robert Williams III, right, defend during the second half of an NBA basketball in-season tournament game in Portland, Ore., Friday, Nov. 3, 2023. The Blazers won 115-113 in overtime. (AP Photo/Steve Dykes)

750 THE GAME STAFF

Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III needs season-ending surgery on his right knee, according to a report from ESPN NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski.

Williams III, 26, came to Portland in October as part of a trade that sent guard Jrue Holiday to Boston for Williams III and guard Malcolm Brogdon along with a pair of first-round picks. He played in six games with the Blazers averaging 6.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 1.2 blocks and 1.2 steals before going down with the injury in Sunday’s overtime loss to the Memphis Grizzlies.

Williams III was largely considered to be a potential trade target of any number of teams should Portland have chosen to move off of him by February’s trade deadline.

The Blazers are 3-5 and continue their three-game road trip Sunday at the Los Angeles Lakers.

Wojnarowski reported on Monday that Williams III would knee surgery, but at the time there was no official word on the timeline for recovery. Now Woj reports the surgery will end Williams’ season, but he’s expected to make a full recovery by the start of the 2024-25 season.

The No. 27 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft out of Texas A&M, Williams III signed a four-year extension with the Celtics worth $48 Million prior to the 2021-22 season. Williams makes a little over $11.5 Million this season and remains under contract with the Blazers for two more seasons prior to hitting free agency in the summer of 2026.

Newsletter

More News