Heading into a season full of high expectations, the Boston Celtics have unfortunately suffered another blow with the injury to Robert Williams.
The Boston Celtics figure to be one of the heavy favorites to win the 2023 NBA title. But after a great offseason, it’s been far from smooth sailing for the team. And that’s because training camp hasn’t even opened for the team.
Earlier in the offseason, the Celtics lost newley signed Danilo Gallinari for the season due to a torn ACL.
Now, the Celtics may have to start the season even more short-handed as starting center and Defensive Player of the Year candidate Robert Williams is slated to miss 4-6 weeks after undergoing a knee procedure.
Robert Williams is a rising star for the Boston Celtics
When he’s healthy and right, there aren’t many more impressive centers (that can play both ends of the floor) in the league. The problem is that during the latter portion of last season and the expected start of this season, Williams hasn’t been very healthy.
And even though this recent injury is more maintenance than anything, it’s something to keep an eye on. Williams had a meniscus injury late last season but returned to the playoffs in this same knee.
I’m not going to say that his quick return had any involvement in this recent scope, but it’s unfortunate all around.
As one of the most fierce defenders in the league, there’s no question the Celtics are going to miss Williams (depending on how much time he ends up missing). It was clear that the Celtics were one team with Williams and entirely different without him.
He’s one of the most valuable players on the roster and the team needs him back and healthy (most of all) as soon as possible. However, there’s no way this can’t be viewed as another possible blow to the Celtics’ early-season outlook.