If it seems like we have been reusing images of Robert Williams III as our cover photo, it's because we have! Unless you want to see him in Celtics green, we don't have many options to choose from. That's because Williams has only played a total of 26 games in the past two seasons as a member of the Portland Trail Blazers.
When Blazers general manager Joe Cronin first traded away Jrue Holiday, Williams was expected to be a key piece of that return. In theory, he's a perfect fit for the defensive-minded identity that Cronin has established when navigating the Blazers' rebuild. But unfortunately, knee problems can haunt a big man throughout his career. It's a problem that Williams just can't seem to escape, and a problem that Portland should've seen coming.
Blazers at risk of wasting another Robert Williams season
Williams was finally returning value for Portland for a brief stint last season. In 20 games, he averaged 5.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 1.7 blocks in just 17.6 minutes per game. He was an ideal center to have in the rotation with his two-way impact as a lob threat and rim protector. At 6-foot-9, he also provided Portland's frontcourt with more defensive versatility, given he was more effective at guarding out on the perimeter than Donovan Clingan.
Because of this, the Blazers decided to hold onto Williams past February, as they were one of only a few teams to stand pat during a historically chaotic trade deadline. It was a catch-22 situation: they wanted to build up Williams' trade value by proving to teams that he was healthy and impactful, but then wanted to keep him for these exact reasons.
Unfortunately, but not surprisingly, Williams got hurt again shortly after the deadline. In fact, he played just two more games, undergoing surgery for left knee inflammation in March. Fast forward half a year, and Williams still isn't fully cleared to play.
Joe Freeman of The Oregonian/OregonLive recently provided an update regarding the status of two rotational pieces, Matisse Thybulle and Williams.
"Thybulle and Williams, meanwhile, have been sidelined throughout training camp and have yet to be cleared to compete in five-on-five scrimmages," Freeman writes. "But there was a welcome sight on Monday: Both players went through halfcourt work following the Blazers’ practice. For Williams, the extended absence was expected. He is easing back after missing all but 26 games the last two seasons with knee and hamstring injuries, and the Blazers are purposefully taking it slow to ensure he’s fully healed — and in exceptional basketball shape — before he returns."
The Blazers are understandably taking a patient approach with Williams' recovery. However, with the regular season just days away, Williams is running out of time to be ready to start the season. With him also expected to sit out back-to-back games, it's already starting to look like another season where Portland doesn't get much contribution from someone they previously made a key part of a blockbuster trade package.