Robert Williams
The Portland Trail Blazers had the longest winning streak in the NBA entering action on Sunday night. They ultimately fell short against the New York Knicks, but there are still some certain positives to take away from the contest.
For starters, they finally got Jrue Holiday back. The prized offseason acquisition had missed the previous 27 games, He finished with eight points and four assists in 16 minutes of action.
Another monster game was had by undrafted two-way standout Caleb Love, who dropped 21 points and dished four assists off the bench.
40 games into the season, the Blazers are currently sitting at 19-21, number nine in the Western Conference.
Let’s talk about their backup big man, Robert Williams. He returned to the lineup after missing the previous contest and provided a serious left.
Robert Williams Playing Great Ball In Portland
Robert Williams returned after missing a game and reminded folks just how valuable he is. It is unclear if he’s going to be staying in Portland long-term, so big games like this will keep plenty of teams on the phone lines.
The big man showed a little range, knocking down the third three-pointer of his career. He is mostly an interior big, so the confident looking stroke could certainly be another development.
The problem with Williams has been his availability. He was acquired before the 2023-24 season, and has logged just 53 games, now in his third year in Rip City. Six games in year one, 20 last year, and 27 this year.
In last night’s battle, the big fella logged 16 minutes. 12 points (5-5 FG), four rebounds, one steal, two blocks. He was doing a little of everything, showing off the length on the interior, while finishing at the rim as requested.
Teams have been curious about Williams, it seems, for the last few years. Portland selected Yang Hansen in the first-round this year, likely with the hopes of him developing quickly into a rotational big. DeAndre Ayton was waived after last season to create a starting spot for Donovan Clingan.
Moving Williams may have to happen to get Hansen more chances, as coach Tiago Splitter deems it necessary.
Robert Williams’ Future In Portland
It’s hard to say what the center rotation will look like with the Trail Blzers after the deadline, Moves will certainly have to be made to get where they want.
Robert Williams has brought the energy to the second unit. In limited bursts, he has shown to be able to change the game. Performing as a shot-blocker and rim-runner, the energy has been higher with him on the floor.
Speaking on his availability, that has been a hurdle for his entire career. Williams has only logged 262 games in eight seasons, but has been a menace when on the floor. He’s averaged better than a block per contest in every campaign.
During the Boston Celtics NBA Finals run in 2022, he averaged 2.2 blocks per game for the duration. The Miami Heat wanted nothing to do with him.
The Blazers may be wise to sell high on their big man while he is available. Teams like the Lakers, Mavericks, and Hawks are desperately in need of big man depth for various reasons.
The big man will be a UFA after the season, and the second part of the season can be used like an audition.
Great to see him healthy for conversations like this to even be able to be had this season. It’s been tough seeing all the games missed.