Since his good performances during the 2022 Finals with Boston against the Warriors, Robert Williams III is missing or almost missing. Indeed, for two seasons, weighed down by his physique, he has only played 41 matches. Last season, for his debut in Portland, he joined the infirmary after only six games before having surgery on his right knee…
Almost a year later, where is he physically? “I’m feeling good at the moment”, he answers. “I try to be physically and mentally fit. It was seven long months of rehabilitation, a long fight to get back on the court. »
However, Robert Williams III is not yet 100%. Certainly, he resumed the five-on-five a few weeks ago, but cannot let the horses go during the “training camp”.
“He does not yet have the full green light to play without restrictions or limitations”warns GM Joe Cronin. “But he is very active on the ground and his participation will only increase. We will probably hold him back on a few small things, but he is making big progress. »
Minutes, injuries or transfer?
“As soon as I have the green light, I hope to be on the field every evening”adds the 2022 finalist with the Celtics. It's not safe at all since the competition will be strong in Portland. There is already Deandre Ayton, then Donovan Clingan who has just been drafted. Chauncey Billups will have to decide to distribute the minutes between this trio.
“He is a force in defense, who can make very good passes. He has a feel for the game similar to that of a point guard. Really. He's a leader.”estimates the Blazers coach, who does not hesitate to say that his pivot is ” amazing “.
However, if he does not play, due to his injuries and/or competition, then a transfer clearly cannot be ruled out. During last season, the Rockets and Ime Udoka, his former coach, would have had an eye on him. Two years of contract remain, at $25.7 million in total, for the pivot who will celebrate his 27th birthday on October 17.
Robert Williams | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Season | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | L.F. | Off | Def | Early | Pd | Party | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
2018-19 | BOS | 32 | 9 | 70.6 | 0.0 | 60.0 | 0.8 | 1.7 | 2.5 | 0.2 | 1.1 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 1.3 | 2.5 |
2019-20 | BOS | 29 | 13 | 72.7 | 0.0 | 64.7 | 1.4 | 3.0 | 4.4 | 0.9 | 1.8 | 0.8 | 0.7 | 1.2 | 5.2 |
2020-21 | BOS | 52 | 19 | 72.1 | 0.0 | 61.6 | 2.6 | 4.3 | 6.9 | 1.8 | 2.0 | 0.8 | 1.0 | 1.8 | 8.0 |
2021-22 | BOS | 61 | 30 | 73.6 | 0.0 | 72.2 | 3.9 | 5.7 | 9.6 | 2.0 | 2.3 | 0.9 | 1.0 | 2.2 | 10.0 |
2022-23 | BOS | 35 | 24 | 74.7 | 0.0 | 61.0 | 3.0 | 5.4 | 8.3 | 1.4 | 1.9 | 0.6 | 1.0 | 1.4 | 8.0 |
2023-24 | POR | 6 | 20 | 65.4 | 0.0 | 77.8 | 1.8 | 4.5 | 6.3 | 0.8 | 2.8 | 1.2 | 1.2 | 1.2 | 6.8 |
Total | 215 | 21 | 72.9 | 0.0 | 66.0 | 2.6 | 4.3 | 6.9 | 1.4 | 1.9 | 0.7 | 0.9 | 1.7 | 7.3 |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.