Celtics big man Robert Williams is targeting Friday’s home game against Orlando for his 2022/23 season debut, according to reports from Shams Charania of The Athletic and Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN (Twitter links).
The 25-year-old had arthroscopic surgery in late September to remove loose bodies from his left knee and to address swelling in that knee. The decision was made for Williams to undergo the procedure when he began his ramp-up process and experienced some discomfort in the knee.
Williams initially underwent surgery on the knee in March after tearing his meniscus.
He was able to return to the court less than a month later and played a part in the Celtics’ run to the NBA Finals, though he wasn’t at 100% in the postseason. The forward/center sat out five games in the second and third rounds of the playoffs and reportedly required extensive treatment as he dealt with fluid build-up.
Williams enjoyed a breakout season in ’21/22, establishing new career highs in PPG (10.0), RPG (9.6), BPG (2.2), games played and started (61), field goal percentage (73.6%), and several other categories. He also helped anchor the NBA’s top defense and was named to the All-Defensive Second Team.
Even without one of their best interior players, the Celtics haven’t missed a beat in ’22/23, sporting the league’s best record (22-7), best net rating (+7.0), and the top offensive rating (118.1). However, their defense has fallen from No. 1 to No. 8, and Williams should help improve that figure.
As Jared Weiss of The Athletic notes (via Twitter), Williams and fellow big man Al Horford are both officially listed as questionable for Friday’s contest. Horford and his wife recently had a baby, which is why he has been inactive since clearing the health and safety protocols — he has missed the past five games.
his style of play compliments them so well. they shouldnt skip a beat
I’ve always pulled for this kid. Put himself second and the team first when he played through his knee injury last year. Never heard a peep out of him just kept grinding away. Love it.
The Time Lord is back!!! Go Celtics
Considering the Celtics are 22-7 without him. Not good news for rest of league.
Another 6’8 player ready to go with a team full of forwards. Glad kornet is still there.
With williams back and horford missing the last 6 games for non covid plus wife had a baby coming back they are going to be scary!
People getting hurt… but the Celtics are getting stronger. Long live Hedo Turk!