Ex-Boston Celtics big man won't be back with Cs, but can land with Knicks or Pelicans

Former Boston Celtics big man Robert Williams III isn't going to be making a return to the Cs anytime soon according to MassLive's Brian Robb. But Robb does believe the New York Knicks and New Orleans Pelicans could be potential landing spots if/when the Portland Trail Blazers downsize their frontcourt rotation and trade him.

"The odds of a return to Boston are essentially zero on Williams’ current deal," Robb said in an answer to a Celtics Mailbag reader's question about "The Time Lord" returning. "The Celtics simply have no way to trade for him without moving someone in their top six and that just isn’t happening for Williams at this point.

"The bigger question for Celtics fans is whether he will end up boosting some sort of playoff rival if he comes back healthy. The Knicks could certainly use some more help in the front court although another injury-prone big man probably wouldn’t work great behind Mitchell Robinson. The Pelicans could certainly use another big man after losing Jonas Valanciunas. The guess here is teams will want to see Williams back healthy on the floor for a bit this season before taking a gamble on him but I’d be stunned if he plays out another full season in Portland at this point."

Robert Williams III no longer a fit on the Trail Blazers after Portland drafted Donovan Clingan

Joe Cronin just saw Williams play six games and likely drafted his replacement in UConn center Donovan Clingan, a potential cornerstone who can one day threaten Deandre Ayton's standing in the Rose City.

"The Time Lord" may never develop into anything more than a high-end reserve because of his availability. In the right situation, he can be a plug-and-play emergency starter who can be productive as long as he's healthy.

A Nerlens Noel role in New York would be ideal. Behind the oft-injured Mitchell Robinson, the Knicks could do a lot worse if/when they need a 5 to replace their starting pivot.