Inside The Celtics

Robert Williams Undergoes Arthroscopic Procedure on Left Knee, Expected to Return to Basketball Activities in 8-12 Weeks

The Timelord might not make his season debut until late December or early January, highlighting the need to add a reliable center.

Bobby Krivitsky

David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
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Robert Williams' ramp-up to the regular season revealed he needed to get his left knee examined. It's the same knee on which he underwent a partial meniscectomy after suffering a meniscus tear in late March. Now, after getting his left knee checked out, there was a decision for him to undergo an arthroscopic procedure.

The initial projection was a recovery timeline of 4-6 weeks. However, after Friday's operation, the Celtics announced the expectation is Williams returns to basketball activities in 8-12 weeks. That means the Timelord might not make his season debut until late December or early January.

Williams' absence and durability concerns highlight the need for Boston to acquire a reliable center to upgrade its depth at the pivot. While the Timelord's coming off a campaign where he made the NBA All-Defensive 2nd Team, he hasn't played in more than 61 games in any season in his four-year career.

As currently constructed, the Celtics' top option off the bench at the center spot is Luke Kornet. Perhaps he fills that role, but banking on him making the most significant leap of his career isn't the best approach, especially when, along with concerns about Williams' durability, Al Horford is 36 and coming off a Finals run as opposed to a shortened season after the Thunder shut him down.

Further Reading

Celtics Believe in Joe Mazzulla and How His Domestic Battery Arrest Has Since Shaped Him

Celtics Owner Wyc Grousbeck on Suspending Ime Udoka for 2022-23 Season: 'well warranted and appropriate'

Signing a Big Name Free-Agent Center Reportedly Not in Celtics' Plans

The Case for the Celtics Signing LaMarcus Aldridge

Examining How the Celtics Might Manage Their Center Rotation

Weighing Whether the Celtics Should Sign Carmelo Anthony

Weighing the Celtics' Internal and External Options Without Danilo Gallinari, Who Could Return This Season

Here's What Stands Out About the Celtics' Schedule

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Bobby Krivitsky
BOBBY KRIVITSKY

Bobby Krivitsky's experiences include covering the NBA as a credentialed reporter for Basketball Insiders. He's also a national sports talk host for SportsMap Radio, a network airing on 96 radio stations throughout the country. Additionally, he was a major-market host, update anchor, and producer for IMG Audio, and he worked for Bleacher Report as an NFL and NBA columnist.

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