Adrian Wojnarowski
Senior NBA Insider
1 Minute Read
Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III is set to undergo season-ending surgery on his right knee, as per sources familiar with the situation.
Williams sustained damage to his kneecap and ligaments during a recent game against the Memphis Grizzlies, and sources anticipate a full recovery in time for the 2024-25 season.
The procedure is expected to take place early next week.
Acquired as part of the Jrue Holiday trade with the Boston Celtics, Williams had drawn interest from multiple teams with hopes that the Blazers might consider trading him before the February trade deadline. He was playing alongside Deandre Ayton, who arrived from Phoenix as part of the Damian Lillard trade.
At 26 years old, Williams has established himself as one of the NBA’s top rim protectors, leading the league in field goal percentage allowed as the closest defender among players to defend 1,000 shots, per Second Spectrum.
Prior to joining the Blazers, Williams missed the beginning of the 2022-23 season for the Celtics due to offseason surgery on his left knee and later tore the meniscus in that same knee in March 2022.
During the 2021-22 season, Williams had a standout year, earning a second-team All-NBA defensive selection as the Celtics made a run to the NBA Finals. He started 61 games and averaged 10 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 blocks per game.
