In the summer of 2018, Robert Williams III burst onto the Boston Celtics scene as the 27th overall pick in the NBA Draft, quickly capturing the hearts of fans with his electrifying play. Initially dubbed “Time Lord” due to his notorious tardiness for meetings and flights, Williams soon redefined his legacy on the court. By his third season, he had become a cornerstone of the Celtics’ rotation, emerging as one of the league’s premier defensive centers in 2021-22. With 9.6 rebounds, 0.9 steals, and an impressive 2.2 blocks per game, he earned a well-deserved spot on the All-Defensive Second Team. The future seemed bright for the young star, but the cruel hand of fate had other plans.
Williams’ trajectory took a devastating turn when he suffered a torn meniscus in his left knee late in the 2022 regular season. Displaying the heart of a warrior, he made a remarkable return in less than a month to aid Boston’s playoff push, cementing his status as a folk hero among Celtics faithful. However, that gritty comeback came at a steep cost. The injury marked the beginning of a downward spiral, as Williams has since been plagued by recurring knee issues, including multiple surgeries and arthroscopies. Over the past three seasons, he has managed to play in just 61 games combined between the Celtics and his current team, the Portland Trail Blazers.
The toll of these injuries has been profound, transforming the once-promising big man into a shadow of his former self. His body, once a beacon of athleticism and defensive prowess, now struggles to withstand the rigors of the NBA, leaving his career in limbo.
In a blockbuster move during the 2023 offseason, Williams was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers as part of the package that brought Jrue Holiday to Boston, helping the Celtics secure their long-awaited championship. While Boston celebrated their title, Williams found himself struggling to carve out a role in Portland. Now 27 years old, he sits behind emerging center Donovan Clingan and rookie Hansen Yang in the Blazers’ depth chart, relegated to a diminished role on a rebuilding team.
Williams’ contract, which includes a $13.2 million salary for the 2025-26 season, has become a significant obstacle for Portland. With the team teetering on the edge of the luxury tax threshold, the Blazers are desperate to shed his salary to gain cap flexibility. However, his injury history and inconsistent availability make him a tough sell on the trade market. What was once a reasonable deal for a rising star has now morphed into a financial albatross, handcuffing Portland’s roster-building efforts.
The story of Robert Williams III is a bittersweet tale of potential unfulfilled. Once a beloved figure in Boston, celebrated for his rim-rattling dunks and game-changing blocks, he now faces an uncertain future in the NBA. The “Time Lord” moniker, once a playful jab at his punctuality, now feels like a haunting reminder of time slipping away. As the Trail Blazers weigh their options, the question looms: can Williams overcome his injury woes and reclaim his place as a dominant force, or will his contract remain a cautionary tale of what could have been?