For the past few seasons, the Boston Celtics have been a rotating canvas of rotation pieces. Dating back to the Isaiah Thomas years, starters have come and gone, all leading up to the group that brought home the 2024 NBA Championship. But just because the Celtics won it all last year doesn’t mean the fanbase lost its love for some of the past players.
Obviously, guys like Marcus Smart and Thomas have the hearts of Boston, but so does Robert Williams. Though he was never able to stay on the court, the city fell in love with “Time Lord,” especially during the team’s run to the 2022 NBA Finals.
Unfortunately, he hasn’t been able to catch a break since.
Robert Williams just can't catch a break
Williams was shipped out in the trade that brought Jrue Holiday to Boston. However, he only got to play in six games before a season-ending injury ruined his campaign.
Luckily, Williams had great news at Portland Trail Blazers Media Day.
"I'm in a great space right now,” Williams said. “It's been a long seven months. A long fight back. I'm ready to get back on the court, man. You see me smiling. There was a point when I couldn't walk."
All of the reports coming out of Media Day indicated that the big man was going to be ready to play at the beginning of the season. Jayson Tatum even sent out a supportive message, noting how excited he was to see his former teammate on the court again.
Unfortunately, since then, things have taken a massive turn for the worse.
According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, Williams suffered yet another setback during training camp, and he’s going to miss even more time.
“Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III experienced a grade one left hamstring strain during training camp this week,” Scotto tweeted. “He is expected to miss two weeks, and his status will be updated as appropriate, team says.”
Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III experienced a grade one left hamstring strain during training camp this week. He is expected to miss two weeks, and his status will be updated as appropriate, team says. pic.twitter.com/HUWCjO2fG4
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) October 4, 2024
In the two years since the Celtics’ 2021-22 campaign, Williams hasn’t played much. He appeared in 35 games uring his last season with the Celtics, and now, after the six contests he played in this past year, he’s looking at another hurdle in front of him.
For the first time in a long time, Williams had positive news heading into a season. He said he felt like he was in a great place. But in an instant, all of that was taken away from him.
Hopefully, he can enjoy a speedy recovery.