On a latest episode of The Hoop Collective with ESPN NBA insiders Brian Windhorst, Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon, the group mentioned the potential that Robert Williams III might be exchanged.
At the moment on the Portland Path Blazers roster, Williams has solely performed 41 video games over the previous two seasons as a result of damage, together with simply six appearances in his first yr in Portland.
“A man to look at and really transferable is ‘The Time Lord,’ one of many nice nicknames in the whole NBA, Robert Williams,” Windhorst stated. “Getting back from damage, he’s clearly a man who’s had damage points, however he’s making $13 million. They might be keen to half methods with him, and he might go to a contender and be an enormous piece if he’s wholesome.”
If Williams is ready to return from his damage with the same talent set, he might be an intriguing commerce goal for the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder.
In 2021-22, Williams had the perfect yr of his profession, taking part in in 61 video games and averaging 10 factors, 9.6 rebounds, two assists and a pair of.2 blocks per sport whereas serving to the Boston Celtics to a 51-win season.
Williams’ spectacular efficiency helped the proficient large man earn second-team All-Protection honors and seventh place in Defensive Participant of the Yr voting. Williams additionally shot over 73 p.c from the sphere in 2021-22.
Since then, the Texas A&M product has handled some robust accidents, however might nonetheless be a beneficial addition to a contending workforce like OKC.
Williams, who stands 6’1″ and weighs 230 kilos, has good measurement and memorable energy down low, which might assist Oklahoma Metropolis with its rebounding woes. Whereas he could not be capable of stretch the ground with a revered perimeter sport, Williams might nonetheless match into Mark Daigneault’s offense due to his passing expertise.
Whereas Williams is an efficient match for OKC, his skillset is considerably redundant with Isaiah Hartenstein, who Sam Presti and the corporate signed for $87 million over the summer time.
Nonetheless, the Path Blazers heart has the flexibility to play alongside Chet Holmgren or Hartenstein, whereas occupying the only real heart place within the “small ball” alignments.
If Portland decides to place Williams on the commerce listing, Oklahoma Metropolis might be top-of-the-line choices for the 26-year-old.
Wish to be part of the dialogue? Like Thunder on SI on Fb and Observe us on Twitter to remain updated with all the newest Thunder information. You can even meet the workforce behind the quilt.
