The Celtics were the best team in the NBA heading into Wednesday, and Boston is about to get a huge boost.
Robert Williams III was out for the start of the season as he continues to recover from arthroscopic surgery on his left knee, which he underwent in late September. The fifth-year center was reportedly on schedule for his rehab, and the Celtics seemed to hint that his return was approaching.
Fans now know when Time Lord’s debut is expected. ESPN NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski reported Wednesday that Williams “NBA Countdown” agent Kevin Bradbury told him the 25-year-old is expected to return by Christmas.
Boston will play the Milwaukee Bucks on that date, and his return will only serve to make the Celtics even better.
The C’s are No. 1 in offensive rating, but their No. 1 defense from last season has slipped to No. 16 in the first 17 games of the season. But that should improve if Williams’ injuries haven’t slowed him down too much.
Wojnarowski also added another interesting note. The NBA insider said he expects the Celtics to “close all the holes they can” before the February trade deadline, specifically adding another big man to the rotation as a depth behind a player with injury history at Williams and a 36-year-old Al. Horford.
Luke Kornet filled a role in interim head coach Joe Mazzulla’s rotation, but there’s no guarantee the fifth-year center can be relied upon in the playoffs. Noah Vonleh and Blake Griffin haven’t been able to carve out consistent minutes for Boston.
