The Portland Trail Blazers have assigned Robert Williams III to the Rip City Remix, nudging the veteran center one step closer to returning to NBA games.
The move, announced Monday by the Blazers, allows Williams extra practice time as he ramps up his “return to court conditioning.”
Williams has played in just 26 games over two seasons because of multiple knee injuries and a balky hamstring. But the imposing defender, acquired via a trade with the Boston Celtics in October 2023, increased his basketball activity late in training camp and the Blazers’ decision to assign him to the Remix indicates he’s nearing a full return.
When that finally happens, Williams will bring stout defense, including rim protection, interior scoring and deft post passing to the Blazers’ frontcourt, all while providing much-needed experience to a relatively young rotation.
Williams, who was named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team in 2022, averaged 5.8 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.7 blocks in 20 games last season for the Blazers.
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