2 Trail Blazers who should be cut loose this offseason
Robert Williams III
The 26-year-old was brought to Portland in the trade that rerouted Jrue Holiday to Boston. The allure of having Williams, one of the best defensive big men in the league, man the center spot with Ayton was understandably enticing. But Cronin was gambling on Time Lord's ability to stay on the floor, and that gamble hasn't paid off.
In his healthiest season, Williams averaged 9.6 rebounds and 2.2 blocks in 29 minutes and was named second-team all-defense. But injuries have held him back throughout his NBA career and they caught up with him again this year. Despite being held out of every other game as a precaution, Rob Will only appeared in six contests before tearing ligaments in his knee and undergoing season-ending surgery.
Bringing Williams back next year would only take away developmental minutes from players like Walker and Duop Reath. There's a good chance Cronin addresses the center spot in the draft this offseason, as well. It's time to send Williams packing and recoup whatever draft assets the Trail Blazers can get for him.