Celtics GM: Williams progressing well but has ways to go

Boston Celtics center Robert Williams III (44) will open their Eastern Conference first round playoff series. Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Celtics GM Brad Stevens: Robert Williams III has 'progressed well' but 'he's got a ways to go'

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 4/14/22

The second-seeded Boston Celtics will open up their Eastern Conference first round playoff series against the seventh-seeded Brooklyn Nets on Sunday and will in all likelihood, do so without starting center Robert Williams. The fourth-year pro has been sidelined since suffering a knee injury in late-March.

Celtics general manager Brad Stevens addressed Williams' status on Thursday morning.

Robert Williams update from Brad Stevens on @Toucherandrich: “he’s progressed well. He’s not been cleared for contact … he’s got a ways to go. I’m comfortable with the timeline we put out.”
— Chris Forsberg (@ChrisForsberg_) April 14, 2022

A few days after the injury occurred, it was reported that Williams was expected to return in four to six weeks, which would put him in line to return around the time of the start of the Eastern Conference semifinals, if the Celtics make it that far. "Time Lord" posted career highs this season in points (10.0), rebounds (9.6), blocks (2.2), assists (2.0) and minutes per game (29.6), while also shooting a career-best 73.6 percent from the field and 72.2 percent from the free-throw line.

More must-reads: