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NBA Rumors: No long-term concerns about Boston Celtics' key center's injury

Action from the 2022 NBA Finals - Game Six
Action from the 2022 NBA Finals - Game Six

Boston Celtics' defensive stalwart Robert Williams III had a breakout 2021-22 season, concluding with their run to the NBA Finals. Williams suffered a torn meniscus during the first round of the postseason against the Brooklyn Nets. Robb reported that no surgery is required for Robert Williams III. He also said Williams should ready for the start of the upcoming season.

According to "Mass Live's" Brian Robb, the Boston Celtics aren't fazed by the injury concerns surrounding the center. He spoke with people behind the scenes and there appears to be no concern. With rest, Williams should be fine.

Throughout the 2022 NBA Playoffs, Robert Williams III was plagued by knee issues. He was far from 100% for the remainder of the playoffs.

The Boston Celtics center said doctors constantly drained the fluid in his knee during the Eastern Conference Finals against the Miami Heat.

Williams missed two games against Brooklyn, four games against the Bucks and Game 3 against the Heat.

New #Celtics mailbag features a closer look at Jaylen Brown supermax hypotheticals, Payton Pritchard's role next year, a Rob Williams update and much more: masslive.com/celtics/2022/0…

How important is Robert Williams III to the Boston Celtics?

Williams in the 2022 NBA Finals - Game Four
Williams in the 2022 NBA Finals - Game Four

Robert Williams III is one of the most important players on the Boston Celtics roster. He is pivotal to the suffocating defense deployed by coach Ime Udoka.

Last season, Robert Williams III averaged 10 points, 9.6 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game. The center also shot better than 73% from the field. However, he attempted fewer than seven shots per game.

Robert Williams III is the only player in NBA history to post 70+ FG% in 4 straight seasons. https://t.co/RMTc9jGtnO

Williams is one of the premier rim protectors in the game. Williams completely cuts off access for opposing players in the lane. His skill and the Celtics' dogged perimeter defense helped them form the best defense in the league, which was one of the biggest reasons they reached the NBA Finals.

While Williams is yet to catch fire on offense, he is an efficient scorer. The center will be hoping to improve that aspect of his game, with Boston's ability to play four players outside potentially giving him more room inside the arc to score.

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