The Portland Trail Blazers acquired Robert Williams III as part of the Lillard blockbuster deal, and he had been performing exceptionally well in his initial six games with the team, averaging a respectable 6.8 points per game with 6.3 rebounds per game as well as 1.2 blocks. However, that all changed on the night of the Blazers’ game against the Grizzlies.
As stated in a piece by The Athletic, the mishap took place in the game’s fourth quarter. At roughly 10:46, Williams’ knee collided with Grizzlies guard Jaren Jackson Jr., and unfortunately, the massive impact caused Williams’ right knee to shift out of alignment, resulting in a bone fracture and ligament damage.
Following a physical examination by the medical staff, Williams was given two treatment options: a season-ending surgery that would permanently fix his knee, or a cleanup procedure that would allow him to recover in two to three months.
Williams and the surgery
Shams Charania of the Athletic broke this news on X on Tuesday:
“Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III is facing potential season-ending surgery to repair bone and ligament damage due to right kneecap injury, sources tell me and @JaredWeissNBA. Williams and doctors could also choose cleanup procedure with 2-to-3 month timetable.”
Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III is facing potential season-ending surgery to repair bone and ligament damage due to right kneecap injury, sources tell me and @JaredWeissNBA. Williams and doctors could also choose cleanup procedure with 2-to-3 month timetable.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 7, 2023
Williams III requires surgery after all
According to the most recent report from ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, it turns out that the Blazers center would need to have the surgery after all. Williams will also need several months to recuperate, which means he will be out of action for the remainder of the 2022-23 season.
The good news is that by the start of the next season, Williams will be completely recovered and back to his healthy and dominant form.
Via Wojnarowski on X: ESPN Sources: Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III will be required to undergo season-ending right knee surgery.
ESPN Sources: Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III will be required to undergo season-ending right knee surgery. https://t.co/v83BmhZnq9
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 10, 2023
Who will replace Williams?
According to CBS Sports, Toumani Camara, Moses Brown, and Jabari Walker could be the potential replacements for Williams.
The Blazers’ record is at 3-5 after just three of their eight games have seen victories over the Toronto Raptors, Detroit Pistons, and Memphis Grizzlies. They are also 13th in the Western Conference standings, edging only the Utah Jazz with 2-7 and 1-7.
Cover Photo: YouTube