NEWSLETTER
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported earlier this week that Boston Celtics center Robert Williams would undergo left knee surgery.
The initial timeline for his recovery was reported to be four-to-six weeks, however, Boston has now shared in their official announcement that Williams will not return to basketball activities for 8-to-12 weeks.
For the reigning Eastern Conference champions, this only piles on the bad news after a week where they announced a year-long suspension for head coach Ime Udoka. While Williams could at least return during the first half of the season, the backend of his rehab timeline would have him missing roughly the first 30 games of the year.
The good news for Boston is they still have plenty of talent to keep them near the top of the East, but there is no question Williams is their frontcourt anchor and best defensive big man. The 24-year-old switchable center was a key reason why we watched this team’s defense become a powerhouse midway through last season. Simply put, this Celtics will not play their best basketball until he is back on the floor.
For the Chicago Bulls, this could very well mean they dodge Williams in three of their four games against the Celtics this season. A tough start to the schedule will see the Bulls play Tatum and Co. on Oct. 24, Nov. 4, and No. 21 before not playing them again until Jan. 9. The Celtics should still be considered one of their tougher matchups, but there is no question Williams’ absence could make things that much easier on Nikola Vucevic and Andre Drummond.
