New Trailblazers Center to Undergo Season Ending Surgery

The Portland Trail Blazers have committed to a full rebuild after trading away franchise star Damian Lillard this offseason. With a lot of new names like Deandre Ayton and Scoot Henderson in Portland, this is very much an experimental season for the team. Unfortunately, one recently acquired star is now out for the season with a knee injury requiring surgery.

Robert Williams III

Williams was injured during Portland's Sunday night loss to the Grizzlies, and it has now been revealed that he will be out for the remainder of this season. The injury was confirmed to involve his kneecap and further ligaments, and as long as his surgery goes successfully, he is expected to make a full return in time for next season.

ESPN Sources: Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III will be required to undergo season-ending right knee surgery. https://t.co/v83BmhZnq9— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 10, 2023

Williams III, who suffered damage to his kneecap and ligaments in a Sunday loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, is expected to be fully recovered for the start of the 2024-2025 season, sources said.— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 10, 2023

Trade to Portland

Robert Williams joined the Trail Blazers in the aftermath of the Lillard trade this offseason. After receiving Jrue Holiday from the Bucks, Portland immediately set out and traded him again, this time to the Celtics, in return for Malcolm Brogdon, Robert Williams, and two draft picks.

Williams was drafted by the Celtics in the first round of the 2018 draft, and in his five seasons with Boston, he has established himself as one of the best rim defenders among bench players.

Portland Losing Williams

After also trading for former number 1 pick Deandre Ayton this offseason, Williams was always expected to come off the bench. Nonetheless, this does not diminish his value; he has proven for 5 years as a Celtic that he can be a key contributor coming off the bench. The loss of Williams will greatly affect the Trailblazers, especially considering their lack of depth at the center position.

With Williams out, Portland can only be expected to become even worse than they are projected to be. They've started at 3-5 but are not expected to make a push for the playoffs this season, and now with this injury, the Trailblazers may drop even lower in the standings and potentially obtain a higher draft pick for next year.