What Happened to Robert Lee Williams III?
Robert Williams III, nicknamed "Time Lord," is an American professional basketball player known for his elite shot-blocking and rebounding. Drafted by the Boston Celtics in 2018, his career has been significantly impacted by a series of knee injuries. He was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers in 2023 and, despite continued injury struggles, has shown flashes of his defensive prowess, playing a key role in the Blazers' 2026 playoff run and is set to become a free agent at the end of the 2025-26 season.
Quick Answer
Robert Williams III is currently a center for the Portland Trail Blazers, where he has been a valuable backup, particularly during their 2026 playoff push. His career has been marked by significant injury challenges, including multiple knee surgeries. He was traded from the Boston Celtics in 2023 and is playing out the final year of his contract, set to become an unrestricted free agent in the 2026 offseason.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline15 events
Born in Shreveport, Louisiana
Robert Lee Williams III was born in Shreveport, Louisiana.
Drafted by Boston Celtics
Williams was selected 27th overall in the first round of the 2018 NBA draft by the Boston Celtics.
Earned 'Time Lord' Nickname
He earned the nickname 'Time Lord' from Celtics fans due to early professional miscues, including missing team functions.
Signed Rookie Extension with Celtics
Williams signed a four-year, $54 million rookie scale contract extension with the Boston Celtics.
First Career Triple-Double
Williams recorded his first career triple-double with 10 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists against the Phoenix Suns.
Torn Meniscus and Surgery
The Celtics announced Williams suffered a torn meniscus in his left knee and underwent surgery, returning for the playoffs.
Named to NBA All-Defensive Second Team
Williams' strong defensive play was recognized with his selection to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team.
Season Debut After Second Knee Surgery
After missing the first 29 games of the season due to a second knee surgery, Williams made his 2022-23 season debut for the Celtics.
Traded to Portland Trail Blazers
Williams was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers, along with Malcolm Brogdon and draft picks, in exchange for Jrue Holiday.
Patellar Dislocation, Season-Ending Injury
Williams suffered a patellar dislocation in his right knee, ending his 2023-24 season after just six games with the Blazers.
Diagnosed with Hamstring Strain
Williams was diagnosed with a Grade 1 hamstring strain but expressed optimism about being ready for the Blazers' season opener.
Underwent Left Knee Arthroscopy
Williams underwent an arthroscopy to address inflammation in his left knee, ruling him out for the remainder of the 2024-25 season.
Played Against Celtics, Expressed Mixed Emotions
Williams played against his former team, the Boston Celtics, for the first time and candidly shared his mixed emotions about watching them win a championship without him.
Missed Game Due to Knee Injury
Williams missed a game due to a knee injury, part of a recurring pattern of minor knee issues throughout early 2026.
Key Role in Blazers' Playoff Push
Williams played a crucial role in the Portland Trail Blazers' playoff run, showcasing his value as a backup big man and impacting winning beyond counting stats.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Robert Lee Williams III, born on October 17, 1997, quickly earned the moniker 'Time Lord' early in his NBA career with the Boston Celtics due to initial punctuality issues. Despite these early professional miscues, Williams developed into a highly impactful defensive player, known for his exceptional athleticism, shot-blocking, and rebounding. He was a key component of the Celtics' defense, earning NBA All-Defensive Second Team honors in 2022.
However, Williams' career has been consistently hampered by a challenging injury history, particularly involving his knees. In March 2022, he suffered a torn meniscus in his left knee, undergoing surgery that allowed him to return for the Celtics' playoff run to the NBA Finals, a decision that reportedly involved a meniscectomy to accelerate his return but potentially compromised his long-term knee health. He also dealt with popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (PAES) and underwent a second knee surgery in December 2022, missing a significant portion of the 2022-23 season.
In September 2023, Williams was traded from the Boston Celtics to the Portland Trail Blazers as part of the package for Jrue Holiday. This move was seen by some as the Celtics offloading a player with significant injury concerns. His tenure with the Blazers immediately faced setbacks, as he suffered a patellar dislocation in his right knee just six games into the 2023-24 season, ending his year prematurely. The 2024-25 season also saw him sidelined, undergoing an arthroscopy for left knee inflammation in March 2025.
Despite these persistent injury woes, Williams has continued to demonstrate his value when healthy. During the 2025-26 season, he has played a crucial role for the Portland Trail Blazers, particularly in their playoff push. As of April 2026, he has been lauded for his efficient play and defensive impact, even in limited minutes, with some advanced metrics ranking him highly among playoff performers. Williams' current contract, a four-year, $54 million rookie extension signed with the Celtics in August 2021, is set to expire at the end of the 2025-26 season, making him an unrestricted free agent. His performance in the current playoffs is expected to significantly influence his market value, despite his extensive injury history.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Robert Lee Williams III made different choices?