Robert Williams III Exits with Knee Injury as Blazers Face Another Setback

The Portland Trail Blazers can’t seem to catch a break when it comes to Robert Williams III. The big man exited Saturday’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves after tweaking his right knee, logging just under eight minutes before being forced to the sideline. He finished with six points and four rebounds before heading to the locker room.

This is the last thing Portland needed. Williams has battled injuries his entire career, and this latest scare only adds to his growing list of setbacks. Knee surgeries, hip issues, ankle sprains, back problems—you name it, he’s dealt with it. Since entering the league six years ago, Williams has appeared in just 215 games, struggling to stay on the floor long enough to showcase his elite shot-blocking and rim protection.

Chauncey Billups didn’t have much of an update postgame, but his words didn’t exactly inspire confidence.

"I think he just came down kind of funny,” Billups said. "I'm not sure what the diagnosis is, but we just felt like playing him anymore wouldn't be healthy."

That’s been the story of Williams’ career—flashes of brilliance interrupted by frustrating injuries. When he’s healthy, he’s a game-changer in the paint. The problem is, staying healthy has been nearly impossible. The Blazers took a chance on him, hoping he could be a long-term piece in their frontcourt, but every injury setback makes that bet riskier.