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Tim BontempsESPN
The Boston Celtics Friday afternoon, center was announced Robert Williams III After undergoing surgery to his left knee, he will be able to return to basketball in 8 to 12 weeks.
Williams had the surgery to “remove any loose bodies and reduce swelling in his left knee,” according to the team. This is Williams’ second knee operation this year.
After sustaining a torn meniscus, Williams had to have a partial left-knee meniscectomy on March 30. He returned to the court to play Game 3 of Boston’s first round sweep. Brooklyn NetsHowever, he continued to experience recurring pain and swelling in his knees throughout the playoffs. This caused him to miss 7 of the 24 postseason games for the Celtics. Golden State Warriors In six games at the NBA Finals.
Williams declared that his only treatment for his knee injury was rest after Game 6 of Finals. Brad Stevens (Celtics president of basketball operations) reiterated this sentiment at his press conference after Boston’s season ended.
Williams — one the most influential defensive players in NBA and a key player in Boston’s suffocating league leading defense — would be able to return to basketball activities within eight to twelve weeks.
Williams will be 25 next month. He averaged 10. points, 9.6 rebound and 2.2 blocks last season for Boston, his fourth season in the NBA.
The Celtics also announced Danilo Gallinari He had to have surgery for his own knee injury. It was a torn anterior cruciate ligament that he sustained in August during a FIBA World Cup qualifier in Italy. Gallinari, a Boston free agent who signed a $23 million two-year contract in July, was expected provide significant bench scoring and guard support this season. Malcolm BrogdonBoston acquired the rights to the saxophonist ” in a deal with the Indiana Pacers.
Gallinari averaged 11.7 point per game last season for Atlanta and shot 38.1 percent from 3-point range. Gallinari, now 34, averaged 15.2 ppg and shot 38.2 % from 3-point range over 728 games.