Trail Blazers Injury Report: Robert Williams Talks Troubled Health Journey

Alex Kirschenbaum | Apr 17, 2024

Oct 27, 2023; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III (35) shoots a floater attempt. / Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports

Injury-plagued Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III managed to play just six games before being felled by a season-ending surgery to repair a torn right knee ligament in November. He had already undergone two left knee surgeries while with the Boston Celtics before even landing in Portland as part of the trade package that shipped Jrue Holiday to Beantown.

Williams spoke with reporters recently after Portland's season had officially ended, per Sean Highkin of The Rose Garden Report. “It’s good to be up here again,” Williams addressed media.

"It was pretty tough,” Williams said of his recovery process. “But it was eye-opening. I got a chance to work on stuff while I was put down for a minute."

The 6'9" former 2022 All-Defensive Teamer has barely been able to suit up for parts of many of his six pro seasons. He's only played in more than 50 games twice in that span. He's appeared in 35 or fewer games across the other four seasons. In his six healthy games this year, as the backup to another pricey new trade acquisition, ex-Phoenix Suns big man Deandre Ayton, Williams posted averages of 6.8 points on 65.4% shooting from the field, 6.3 rebounds, 1.2 steals, 1.2 blocks and 0.8 dimes. In just 19.8 minutes per, those are solid tallies. But he needs to stay on the floor to have a real impact.