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Celtics head coach Ime Udoka provided an update on Robert Williams' status on Wednesday. Celtics' reporter Marc D'Amico tweeted that during a press conference, Udoka said Boston's medical team cleared Williams for 3-on-3 work.
Robert Williams has been cleared to do 3-on-3 work, per Ime Udoka.
— Marc D'Amico (@Marc_DAmico) April 20, 2022
The Celtics' center hasn't played since suffering a tear in his left meniscus in late March during a game against the Timberwolves. Williams underwent surgery a few days later. Initially, Boston expected to be without Williams for 4-6 weeks. That timetable estimated his return somewhere around the second round of the NBA Playoffs. Now three weeks out from his surgery, Williams seems to be recovering nicely.
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The Celtics did alright without their budding star at center in Game 1 of the team's first round series against the Brooklyn Nets Sunday. In Boston's thrilling 115-114 victory, Al Horford played the role of rim protector. Horford was solid, but he's no Williams. The Time Lord played a massive role in leading Boston's defense to the best net defensive rating in the league during the regular season. Williams averaged 2.2 blocks per game, good for second most in the NBA.
Without Williams, the Celtics already nightmarish first round matchup with the Brooklyn Nets becomes even tougher. As the two seed in the Eastern Conference, surely the Celtics didn't expect to face a title contender in the first round. But that's just what Brooklyn brings.
Though Robert Williams' chances of returning during the Nets series remain slim, any progress in his recovery is notable. And with Williams beginning to participate in 3-on-3 drills, it means the Celtics are that much closer to being back at full strength as they look to make a run to the NBA Finals.
