The Boston Celtics will be without big Robert Williams III for a while, but it won’t be as lengthy as previously thought. Brad Stevens, president of basketball operations for the Boston Celtics, clarified the timing for Williams’ comeback on the Tucker and Rich sports radio show.
Williams’ potential extended absence from the NBA was the subject of a disturbing story from insider Shams Charania, but Stevens emphasised that the recovery process is proceeding according to plan.
“September 22nd is when he had the surgery. [He should return] 8-to-12weeks from there, as is the timeline that we put out.”
Williams was originally scheduled to return on that timeline after undergoing an arthroscopic operation on September 23 to reduce swelling in his left knee. Charania suggested that Timelord’s injury might prevent him from playing past January, but Stevens insisted that it wouldn’t be necessary because his recovery is progressing well.
Williams is crucial to the Celtics because no player on the roster can equal his ability to block shots and dominate the paint. In spite of Boston’s spectacular season-opening victory over the Philadelphia 76ers, the 25-year-old centre will still be required in the future.
This is peak defense from Robert Williams. I m looking forward to getting him back this season #Celtics pic.twitter.com/589ojuzBWc
— The Celtics Files (@CelticsFiles) September 18, 2022
Williams’ outstanding defence will be crucial for the Celtics later in the season when they have to compete against big men like Giannis Antetokounmpo. Williams’ presence elevates Boston to a higher level on that side of the ball, even if they are still a great defensive team without him and can successfully double-team star players.
Ideally, the Second Team All-Defense selection will return to the field before 2023. However, the Celtics should have another chance at reaching the NBA Finals as long as Williams stays healthy when it matters most, during the playoffs.
The article Celtics news: Brad Stevens dismisses newest injury reports on Robert Williams originally published on ClutchPoints.
