Boston Celtics center Robert Williams is showing signs of improvement after undergoing knee surgery that has had him sidelined since late September. Williams, who made the NBA’s All-Defensive Team last year, has been a considerable part of the Celtic’s resurgence over the past couple of years and has looked poised to take a massive leap in only his fifth season.
Rob Williams is back scrimmaging at Celtics practice pic.twitter.com/gHCHkMRPQI
— Jared Weiss (@JaredWeissNBA) November 30, 2022
During a recent team practice, some of Williams’s teammates spoke to The Athletic about the progress they have seen in Williams.
“He looks good, man,” said Celtics small forward Sam Hauser. “When you come back from injury, you still gotta get over the mental block of being okay. But physically out there, he looks like you would have never thought he had surgery.”
Hauser also spoke from his own experience about returning from injury, adding;
“Getting back into shape is the worst; I had somewhat of a similar feeling to what he’s feeling right now, but I’m sure he’ll be ready to go whenever he gets his number called and whenever he is allowed to play. We’re excited to have him back.”
Celtics power forward Mfiondu Kabengele also spoke on William’s progression after practicing against him, stating;
“It was really fun; he’s been progressing really well. I don’t know what his status is right now, but he looks strong. He’s moving well.”
Robert Williams can still block shots. pic.twitter.com/p6y7XQ9fNR
— Jay King (@ByJayKing) November 30, 2022
At a recent press conference, Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla was asked about William’s progress and return to the court, to which he answered;
“He went through another session today; he’s progressing really well. Pretty close to returning along with the timeline, and it’s just a matter of getting him back conditioning-wise, making sure he’s comfortable and ready to go.”
Joe Mazzulla says Robert Williams is "pretty close to returning" pic.twitter.com/adRhbS83eo
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) December 4, 2022
The Celtics are currently in first place in the East and have been clicking on all cylinders. So whenever Williams returns to the court, he will make the team even stronger. We’ll have to wait and see whether that is before the All-Star break.
