Camila Sosa
We already have the time of the possible absence of Robert Williams III with the Boston Celtics, after having suffered a partial rupture in the lateral meniscus of his left knee during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves last Sunday. This morning the 24-year-old center went through the operating room to undergo a meniscectomy that was successful and the prognoses of his return seem to be more positive than expected.
How Much Time will Robert Williams III be Absent?
According to an official report given by the Celtics franchise, the Texas A&M University graduate will be off the court for a minimum of four weeks at best, which could extend to a maximum of six in case the rehabilitation takes longer than expected. Obviously, if there are difficulties or physical discomfort, Williams’ return could be delayed even more, but for the time being, his presence in the postseason is a real possibility if the Celtics advance to the second round.
In cases resembling Robert’s injury, Memphis Grizzlies star Jaren Jackson Jr. lost nearly the entire 2020-2021 campaign due to the same injury, while other examples such as James Wiseman of the Golden State Warriors and Collin Sexton of the Cleveland Cavaliers have missed the entire season. However, these cases are the most serious there have been in recent years and the case of the Celtics player could be much lighter. With the center tied to the franchise at least until 2026, if the organization believes it endangers Williams’ physical integrity in the future in his attempt to return to the court during the playoffs, they will not risk the player.
It’s definitely a relief for Boston to know that at least at some point in their playoff campaign they may have back the mainstay of their internal defense because thanks to their partnership with Al Horford, Grant Williams and Daniel Theis, the Celtics have become the best defensive team in the entire league. Combined with the performance boost of both Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown and the contributions of Marcus Smart on the perimeter, the team led by Ime Udoka has become one of the strongest candidates in the Eastern Conference.
Through 61 games the young intern had the most solid and consistent campaign of his career: 10 points, 9.6 rebounds, 2 assists and 2.2 blocks with a 73.6% ERA from the field, but once again his harvest was interrupted by physical problems, which has been a common denominator throughout his short career of only four years.
With a record of 47-29 the green and white team is in third place in the Eastern Conference just one game away from the current leader, the Miami Heat (whom they face today in home condition), but they also have the most complicated schedule to close the harvest, having to face teams as difficult as the Milwaukee Bucks and the Memphis Grizzlies in the last two days of the regular season.
Will the Celtics be able to advance enough in the postseason to regain their star center this season?
