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In a press conference on Wednesday, Boston Celtics' coach Ime Udoka provided an update on Robert Williams' injury.
The 24-year-old Defensive Player of the Year candidate tore the meniscus in his left knee late last month. He underwent surgery soon after, and his availability for the playoffs was initially murky at best. But a week ago, the Celtics provided an optimistic report about the limited extent of the injury.
Still, Udoka told NBC Sports Boston that he doesn't want to rush Williams back. And although his rehab seems to be going well, the Celtics' coach is still planning to be without the Time Lord during the first round:
“We haven’t looked at him being here for the first round, honestly. A 4-to-6 week time frame is what it is, and everybody reacts differently to surgeries. But if possible, we haven’t really ruled him out…if he’s ready, but we’re going in with the mindset that he won’t be there for the first round.”
At 22-5, the Celtics have the best record in the NBA since February 1st. Robert Williams is a massive part of that success, anchoring the number one defense in the league. In his fourth year in the NBA, Williams is averaging career highs in nearly ever major statistical category.
Williams' injury initially seemed like a major blow to Boston's title chances. And while they may face a tough first round test depending on how the seeding shakes out in the Eastern Conference, Ime Udoka and the Celtics should get their starting center back at some point should they get past their first playoff opponent.
