Robert Williams III

Williams is an American center whose NBA career has been defined by elite rim protection and persistent injury setbacks since he was selected in the first round of the 2018 draft. He emerged as one of the top shot-blocking prospects in the country at Texas A&M and translated that potential into a starting role and a four-year contract extension with the Boston Celtics before moving to Portland.

Born Robert Lee Williams III on October 17, 1997, in Vivian, Louisiana, he attended North Caddo High School. Rated a consensus four-star recruit and the top prospect in Louisiana by ESPN, he committed to Texas A&M. As a freshman in 2016–17, he averaged 11.9 points, 8.2 rebounds, and a team-high number of blocks, earning SEC Defensive Player of the Year and Second-Team All-SEC honors.

Despite being projected as a potential lottery pick, Williams returned to Texas A&M for his sophomore season. After the Aggies' 2018 NCAA tournament exit, he declared for the 2018 NBA draft. Concerns about his work ethic caused him to fall to the 27th overall pick, where the Boston Celtics selected him. He signed with Boston on July 5, 2018, and earned the nickname "Time Lord" from fans after missing flights and video meetings early in his career.

Williams split time between Boston and the Maine Red Claws as a rookie. He gained traction during the 2021 playoffs, setting a Celtics playoff record with nine blocks in a first-round game against Brooklyn despite dealing with turf toe and a sprained ankle. He signed a four-year, $54 million extension with Boston following the season.

In 2021–22, Williams recorded his first career triple-double on December 31 and was named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team. He suffered a torn meniscus in March 2022 and underwent surgery, missing portions of the postseason as Boston reached the NBA Finals. He was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers in 2023.

Williams functions as a rim-running, shot-blocking center with elite timing and above-the-rim finishing. His physical tools allow him to anchor a defense when healthy, though knee and ankle issues have limited his availability. His development in the NBA hinges on maintaining health while continuing to refine his offensive game around the basket.