Marcus Smart shares his thoughts on how the team is having to adjust its defensive strategy with Robert Williams sidelined. The reigning DPOY says it’ll be ‘unique’ for the team, but they have the talent to adjust.
Robert Williams apparently has hit a notable milestone in his rehab from knee surgery.
"Yeah, yeah -- I'm dunking," the Boston Celtics big man admitted to reporters Saturday in New York.
Williams is just over six weeks removed from Sept. 23 surgery that was expected to keep him out for eight to 12 weeks. He reportedly received a PRP injection in his knee on Oct. 17, prompting speculation that he may not return to action until late December or January.
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The 25-year-old sounds like he's eager to return sooner, however. Williams told reporters he has raised the intensity of his workouts in recent days, and that Boston's training staff is on board with him ramping up activity -- for the most part.
"I'm stepping it up. Really anything," Williams said. "They just try to hold me (back from) being a little too explosive sometimes, take my time with it. But pick and rolls, running the court, really doing a lot."
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The Celtics likely will monitor Williams closely to see how his knee reacts to more activity. Their top priority should be making sure he's healthy entering the postseason, so there's no need to rush him back, especially if Boston can stay afloat in his absence.
But the fact that Williams is already dunking in week six of his rehab is a great sign for the fifth-year big man. If he doesn't encounter more setbacks, perhaps we'll see Time Lord back on the court closer to the eight-week timeline than 12 weeks.