Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III ‘is set to undergo possible season-ending surgery on his right knee’ after limping following loss to the Memphis Grizzlies
- Williams was acquired in the three-team trade involving Jrue Holiday
- During his six NBA seasons, he appeared in more than 52 games just once
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Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III is expected to undergo potentially season-ending surgery to repair bone and ligament damage from a right kneecap injury.
Williams may also have the option to opt for a smaller clearing procedure, which will likely sideline him for only two to three months, reports The Athletics.
The 26-year-old big man injured the knee during Sunday’s loss to the Memphis Grizzlies and was taken to the locker room before ultimately being ruled out for the rest of the game. He was tested for the injury on Monday.
So far this season, Williams has averaged 6.8 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game.
He was acquired by the Trail Blazers earlier this year as part of the blockbuster three-team trade surrounding the Boston Celtics’ acquisition of point guard Jrue Holiday from the Milwaukee Bucks.
Trail Blazers C Robert Williams III is expected to undergo potentially season-ending surgery
Portland acquired Williams in a three-team trade centered around Jrue Holiday (right) to Boston
Williams averaged 6.8 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game this season
Williams has struggled to avoid injuries throughout his career, appearing in more than 52 games per season just once in his six-year career.
Last season, he only appeared in 35 regular-season games for the Celtics while averaging eight points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.4 blockers per game.
When he was actually able to take the court, Williams has built a reputation as one of the NBA’s elite rim protectors and was expected to play a key role in providing interior defense for the rebuilding Trail Blazers.
His best season in the league resulted in him being named to the All-NBA defensive second team.
During that season, he averaged 10 points, 9.6 rebounds and two blocks per game. It was also the season in which he spent the most time on the field, having played 61 games.