Chris Haynes: Rockets could have trade interest in Portland’s Robert Williams III

“Ime Udoka has always been, and still remains, very fond of Robert Williams,” Chris Haynes said. “So I wouldn’t be surprised if Houston is in the mix.”

It’s been well established that a center to back up Alperen Sengun is a position of need for the Houston Rockets.

Yet, how desperate is general manager Rafael Stone in that search? After all, Houston is still in the second phase of its rebuild and not yet operating with the sense of urgency of a title contender.

So, with that flexible timeline in mind, would Houston consider an option that wouldn’t be able to play until the 2024-25 season?

Chris Haynes, veteran insider for the NBA on TNT and Yahoo! Sports, believes there could eventually be a link between the Rockets and Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III, who is out for the 2023-24 season with a knee injury. From a recent podcast:

“Ime Udoka has always been, and still remains, very fond of Robert Williams,” Haynes said in the Jan. 22 episode of #thisleague UNCUT. “So I wouldn’t be surprised if Houston is in the mix.”

Williams had his best NBA season playing for Udoka in the 2021-22 season, when he averaged 10 points (73.6% FG), 9.6 rebounds and 29.6 minutes per game with the Celtics.

Now 26 years old, Williams is under contract through the 2025-26 season at an average rate of just below $13 million annually. Because the Blazers are at a slightly earlier spot in their rebuild than the Rockets, it’s possible Portland could have interest in a package from Houston involving a more longer-term asset.

Williams also has a connection to the broader Houston region, having played his college basketball at nearby Texas A&M.

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Could former Boston big man Robert Williams III be moved before the 2024 NBA trade deadline?

Robert Williams III could be moved ahead of the trade deadline, according to recent reporting.

Former Boston Celtics big man Robert Williams III could be moved ahead of the 2024 NBA trade deadline, according to recent reporting from Bleacher Report’s Chris Haynes. On a recent episode of his “This League Uncut” podcast, Haynes related via MassLive’s Brian Robb that there “are some teams that are pondering making a move for Robert Williams.”

“Now, I know Robert Williams is out for the season,” related the B/R reporter. Even so, Haynes relates that the LSU alum is a player “teams feel … would be somebody that could get on the cheap right now and allow him to continue recovering”.

Those clubs may do so “in hopes that he can blossom back into the Robert Williams that we’ve seen when he was playing at a high level” with Boston as a sort of “pre-agency.”

The idea that Timelord’s current status as damaged goods might be a way to get the Louisiana native more cheaply is not without risk, though, should Williams’ extensive injury history continue to prove chronic.

Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ

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Woj: Former Celtics center Robert Williams III a ‘target of several teams’ before injury

The team expects him to be fully recovered for the 2024-25 season after undergoing surgery.

Former Boston Celtics and current Portland Trail Blazers big man Robert Williams III will reportedly miss the remainder of the NBA’s 2023-24 season due to undergoing surgery to repair ligament damage in his right knee. That damage was sustained in a recent game against the Memphis Grizzlies facing former teammate Marcus Smart.

That turn of events has several ball clubs who hoped to trade for Timelord looking for other options, however, with ESPN senior writer Adrian Wojnarowski reporting that the Texas A&M alum “had been a target of several teams that hoped the Blazers would consider moving him before the February trade deadline.”

The team expects him to be fully recovered for the 2024-25 season after undergoing surgery, which is scheduled for early in the following week.

While Timelord’s injury may keep other contenders from trading for the former Celtic. such news will not be much consolation for Williams’ former teammates with whom the Louisiana native remains close.

Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ

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Former Texas A&M and Portland Trailblazers Center Robert Williams III will miss the remainder of the 2023-2024 NBA season

Portland Trailblazers and former Texas A&M center Robert Williams III suffered a season-ending injury.

Sad news regarding Portland Trailblazers center and former Texas A&M standout Robert Williams III, who, in his first season in Portland, reportedly suffered a season-ending knee injury less than ten games into the 2023-2024 NBA season.

According to ESPN NBA lead insider Adrian Wojnarowski, Williams sustained ligament damage in his right knee cap, and even in an 82-game schedule, this type of injury requires nearly a full year to reach a state of physical normality, especially whenever ligament damage is involved.

At just 26 years of age, Williams, who played his first five seasons with the Boston Celtics, was drafted 27th Overall in the 2018 NBA Draft after two memorable seasons in College Station with Texas A&M under former head coach Billy Kennedy.

During his time at A&M, Williams is best known for his incredible vertical and overall length, averaging 8.7 rebounds and 11.1 points, while his windmill dunk during the Aggies’ 2017-2018 NCAA Tournament win vs. North Carolina is etched in Texas A&M history while becoming a popular GIF in the process.

His best season in Boston came during the 2021-2022 season when he averaged  10 points and 9.6 rebounds while shooting 72% from the charity stripe. In just six games with the Trailblazers, Williams averaged 6.8 points and 6.3 rebounds and was on his way to averaging a career-high in steals with 1.2 per contest.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Cameron on Twitter: @CameronOhnysty.

Former Celtics center Robert Williams III to undergo season-ending knee surgery

Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III will undergo season-ending surgery on injured right knee.

Former Boston Celtics big man and current member of the Portland Trail Blazers Robert Williams III will undergo season-ending surgery on his right knee according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. The 26-year-old center is expected to make a full recovery and be ready to return to action before the 2024-25 season begins.

Wojnarowski reported Williams injured his right kneecap and suffered ligament damage a week ago during the fourth quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies. Health concerns have been a consistent concern for Williams since joining the NBA in 2018, and Williams has had similar lower body ailments in the past. This includes suffering a partially torn meniscus in his left knee back in 2022.

With Williams sidelined, Portland will lose a significant piece of frontcourt depth off the bench. Here’s to hoping he makes a full recovery and is set up to make an impact next year.

Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ

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On former Boston big man Robert Williams III needing season-ending surgery

While it may not be a devastating blow to his team, it is unfortunate for Williams, who continues to face setbacks in his career due to injuries.

Former Boston Celtics big man Robert Williams III will undergo surgery after sustaining a knee injury during a recent game for his new team, the Portland Trail Blazers. This is the opposite knee of the one he previously underwent surgery on in March 2022.

The exact nature of the injury is not yet known, but it is expected to require significant time for recovery. Williams’ career has been plagued by various injuries, which has hindered his growth as a player. Despite showing promise, his frequent injuries have made relying on him as a core part of the rotation risky. The Celtics acquired Williams in the 2018 draft, knowing that injury concerns were a part of his profile.

While it may not be a devastating blow to his team, it is unfortunate for Williams, who continues to face setbacks in his career due to injuries.

To hear more about Timelord’s latest injury woes, take a look at the clip embedded above from CLNS Media “Garden Report” cohost Bobby Manning.

Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ

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Woj: Former Celtics big man Robert Williams III needs surgery following knee injury

Blazers big man and former Celtic Rob Williams III is expected to undergo surgery after suffering a knee injury over the weekend.

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Portland Trail Blazers big man Robert Williams III will require surgery on his right knee after suffering an injury over the weekend in the fourth quarter of a game against the Memphis Grizzlies. The scope of the procedure and a timeline for recovery are still being discussed, Wojnarowski reported.

Williams fell to the ground while covering Memphis’ Jaren Jackson Jr. early in the fourth Sunday evening. After getting to his feet, Williams was noticeably hobbled and subbed himself out of the game as soon as possible. He was ruled out for the remainder of the game, and it now appears he will miss more time.

Williams started his career with the Boston Celtics, and throughout his five seasons in green, he earned a reputation for stingy defense and explosive athleticism.

That said, injury concerns have been a consistent issue for Williams. He has never played more than 61 games in a season and appeared in just 35 regular season tilts a year ago with the Celtics.

Leg injuries have been a particular concern, and Williams has undergone several knee procedures in recent memory.

Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ

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On this day: Stevens born; Brooks, McCarty trades; Timelord, Sam Jones, Tom Sanders debuts; Murphy passes

On this date, team president Brad Stevens was born, Scott Brooks and Walter McCarty were traded to the team and a number of Celtics made their debuts.

On this day in Boston Celtics history, current Boston Celtics team president Brad Stevens was born in Zionsville, Indiana in 1976. Stevens played collegiately for DePauw University while earning a degree in economics, earning Academic All-America honors three times and the All-Conference team as many times as well.

Stevens spent some time working as a pharmacy representative after college, then moved into coaching as a volunteer assistant with the Butler University men’s basketball program. It got him the job as a full-time assistant coach the next season, and he would be promoted to head coach of the Bulldogs in 2007.

Stevens quickly garnered national attention for the work he was doing at Butler, breaking the NCAA record for wins by a coach in their first three seasons while making the NCAA title game two seasons running in 2010 and 2011.

On this day: Tatum, Ojeleye debut; Poirier, Timelord born; Scolari passes; Walter Brown honored

On this day In Boston Celtics history, Robert Williams III and Vincent Poirier were born, Jayson Tatum and Semi Ojeleye made their NBA debuts, Fred Scolari passed and Walter Brown was honored.

On this day in Boston Celtics history, former Celtics center Robert Williams III was born in Shreveport, Louisiana in 1997, growing up in the area and attending North Caddo High School in nearby Vivian, Louisiana.

A consensus four-star prospect coming out of high school, Timelord — as Williams is often called — played his college basketball with the Texas A&M Aggies, and twice won the Southeastern Conference Defensive Player of the Year award in his two seasons with that team. He was taken by the Celtics with the 27th overall pick of the 2018 NBA draft slipping because of concerns over his health.

An issue that has indeed bothered him since, though less each season he has been in the league.

Farewell, Timelord — hello new Boston Celtics season

While many celebrated the deal that brought Jrue Holiday to Boston, some felt a twinge of sadness, too.

If there is a member of the Boston Celtics media who has been a bigger fan of big man Robert Williams III than NBC Sports Boston’s Chris Forsberg, they are certainly not as widely known as such, So while many celebrated the deal that brought Jrue Holiday to Boston, some felt a twinge of sadness, too.

Forsberg, host of the NBC Sports Boston “Celtics Talk” podcast, was joined by NBC Sports colleague Abby Chin to talk over the loss of Timelord, the arrival of The Jruth in Boston, how he will fit with the new-look Celtics, and what awaits us all from the team in the 2023-24 NBA season ahead on a recent episode. They also dive into the logistics of the trade, mentioning the salary cap implications and the challenges of retaining players in the future.

To get up to speed on this new and very different version of the Celtics, take a look at the clip embedded below.

Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ

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