Robert Williams III may be out until Christmas, but that doesn’t mean the big man didn’t participate in this year’s Boston Celtics Media Day proceedings. Predictably, many of the questions he answered revolved around his recent knee operation.
The surgery in question was dubbed a “clean-up” scope on his left knee. Last spring he suffered a torn meniscus, only to return early as the Celtics marched to the Finals. As a result, Williams played through pain, missing a few games along the way. This latest arthroscopic scope was aimed at alleviating further complications, especially persistent fluid build-up and other nagging concerns.
Timelord was asked about the decision to have this surgery. As he explained, it was indeed to prevent further issues, but also to help him move on from the initial injury.
For Boston’s Grant Williams, group success, communication will be the Celtics’ focus in 2022-23 https://t.co/5pAo6wrk3y
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) September 26, 2022
“Just some recurring problems,” Williams cited as a reason for the arthroscopic cleanup procedure on the knee he tore a meniscus in at the end of the 2022-23 season.
“(The injury) took a toll on me mentally. I can focus now on rehab, and getting back on the court,” he added. “I’m feeling good today. It’s tough, but I’m here for it.”
Interim Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzula focused on forging strong relationships heading into 2022-23 https://t.co/AfH2qOB1t3
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) September 26, 2022
The Texas A&M product told reporters he was responsible for the decision to return to action early last season. As he explained, he stands by that choice to this day.
“I was battling through injuries at the end of the last season, that’s just what it is. I made the decision as a man to keep playing, that’s my decision. Regardless of the reoccurring injuries, whenever they did happen, I bought into that decision.”
Rehabbing an injury properly is paramount for avoiding another, larger issue later on, and especially important in the history of big men who play long minutes.
When people say it is hard to get back to the NBA Finals, they don’t just mean because there are always a lot of good teams you have to play to do it. https://t.co/ohZ4RZX5tb
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) September 26, 2022
Williams was asked if he has regrets about coming back too soon and perhaps exacerbating the pain in his left knee. “Hell nah, I played in the Finals,” Williams said with a laugh.
“You win some, you lose some, I don’t regret my decision at all. I was 24 years old, my dreams were to play in the Finals. I can’t regret that (expletive).”
Jayson Tatum on how Joe Mazzulla can lead the Celtics: “We’re gonna have to help him. And he’s gonna have to help us. We’re all in this together.” https://t.co/OjYEJnYtle
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) September 26, 2022
Following Williams’ recent surgery the Celtics released a statement indicating he would miss 8-12 weeks of action. According to some sources, Timelord could be out until Christmas or beyond.
The Louisiana native was asked if he’s worried he’ll need yet another surgery down the line.
“Nobody knows if they’re going to get hurt,” Williams said. “I’m pretty confident, man. We’re going to get it right this time.”
Jayson Tatum gave a positive update on the shoulder injury that pestered him during the Finals. https://t.co/TjWGG1JI0l
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) September 26, 2022
Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi
