The Portland Trail Blazers are starting over after trading franchise player Damian Lillard, and thus expectations are pretty low.
They’re pinning their future hopes on rookie Scoot Henderson, young studs Anfernee Simons and Jerami Grant, and big men Robert Williams III and Deandre Ayton.
The Blazers currently have a decent 3-4 record even though Henderson and Simons have been banged up, but now they have suffered a setback in their hopes to remain competitive.
Williams will reportedly need right knee surgery, per Adrian Wojnarowski.
Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III will require right knee surgery, sources tell ESPN. Conversations with doctors and his agent are ongoing about the kind of procedure necessary for Williams and how long of a timeline will be needed for recovery. pic.twitter.com/zhStKii8hl
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 6, 2023
Williams came to Portland along with Malcom Brogdon as part of the Jrue Holiday trade with the Boston Celtics that resulted from Holiday arriving in the Lillard deal with the Milwaukee Bucks.
While he isn’t a scoring threat, his rebounding and defense have always been an asset, especially for a Portland team that ranks ninth in defensive rating and needs to win with defense given they don’t have a ton of talent.
During the 2021-22 season, Williams was named to the All-Defensive Second Team as he helped the Celtics reach the NBA Finals, where they lost to the Golden State Warriors in six games.
The Blazers lack any other legitimate big men who can play the 5 other than Ayton and Williams, and as a result, they will likely have to go small when Ayton is resting as long as Williams is out.
They will really have to scrap and claw hard with Williams sidelined if they’re going to challenge for a spot in the play-in tournament this spring.
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