Celtics big man Robert Williams has struggled with pain and swelling in his left knee throughout the postseason, and he continues to be listed as questionable ahead of Game 6 against Golden State on Thursday, but that status isn’t a mere smokescreen.
“I honestly take it day-by-day,” Williams told Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports. “I can be feeling good right now, and then the next couple of hours it’s pretty sore. I try to take it day-by-day as much as I can.”
The 24-year-old has to go through multiple hours of treatment every day in order to manage the knee, but he’s also endured more invasive medical procedures to stay on the court. League sources told Haynes that Williams “had his knee drained repeatedly during the Eastern Conference Finals” versus the Heat.
“I was really having my knee drained a lot last series,” Williams confirmed to Yahoo Sports. “I stopped draining it because there was no point, in my opinion. My knee kept filling back up with fluid. So, I’ve kind of learned how to manage it to be able to play.”
Boston’s medical staff has assured Williams that his surgically repaired knee won’t get worse if he keeps playing, but pain management continues to be an issue, Haynes writes. Williams said he plans to continue to battle until the season concludes.
“S–t, we’re trying to win,” Williams told Haynes. “It’s crazy. I’m living my dream right now. Obviously, it would be way better if we win, but my whole thing is accountability for my team. Letting them know I’m here through whatever, and hopefully, the message is relayed to everyone else.”
Williams, who was named to the All-Defensive Second Team this season, averaged 10 points, 9.6 rebounds and 2.1 blocks in 61 regular season games (29.6 minutes). However, he’s clearly been hampered by his knee in the playoffs, with his averages falling off to 7.6 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.2 blocks in 16 games (22.6 minutes).
Im glad dude has secured himself a multi year because he’s certainly sacrificed his body this year. I hope he will be ready to start next season healthy.
And people were questioning the contract he got …
Monday Morning Quarterback. We weren’t sure what to make of this guy with his reputation coming out of school. Didn’t he do a couple of bonehead things early with the Celtics?
But he’s wiped the Slate clean now. What excellent maturity and sacrifice for the team and his teammates. Tip of my cap to the man. Excellent example. Love it.
To be fair, after those initial hiccups there hasn’t really been anything negative said or rumored about him, at least that has managed to reach the public’s ears. And it’s not like the contract was huge.
I think it was more about his health than anything else. And it still looks to be a bit of a question mark. But the talent is undeniable.
If he’s on the court he’s def worth the contract, problem is, this is probably his best season he will ever have health wise
I thought a 4/$48m was a bit under, but now he runs like he has some weak links, albeit youthfully sprightly.
Good guess.
He is a stud and a warrior !!!
He’s a loser.
Hot take there Skip
I agree Michol. He really makes a huge difference on the floor as a rim protector.
A’sfaninLexington, wow really not sure how to read this guy. It’s like Bay Area fan and everything else is evil. Obviously not a BASKETBALL fan who recognizes Excellence on ANOTHER team. I’ll send a Bravo out to any player anywhere in the league that deserves it.
Love guys who do whatever it takes for the team to win especially in hustle and effort, and sacrifice of body.
That lawsuit he’s gunna have on them for making him play hurt and further hurting himself is going to be the cherry on top
You know nothing about what he has. He will be fine.
He’s just mad the A’s are still under 20 wins.
I hope the A’s come through town a few more times this year. Good times right now LOL