Robert Williams III leaves the court as the Portland Trail Blazers practice on Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023, at their training camp at UC Santa Barbara in California.Dia Miller for The Oregonian/OregonLive
The Celtics shook up their core this summer in the name of making some big moves as they saw multiple mainstays depart Boston. The shocking move was Marcus Smart as he was the team’s emotional leader, but the C’s also had Robert Williams III and Grant Williams leave.
That’s the cost of adding guys like Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis into the fold. Rob Williams figured to be part of the Celtics’ core going forward, but the Blazers were reportedly adamant he needed to be included in the deal. He also hasn’t been able to stay healthy throughout his career despite having game-changing talent at his best.
Rob Williams is now with the Blazers after being included in the Holiday deal as the C’s also sent out Malcolm Brogdon, the Warriors’ 2024 first-round pick and their own 2029 first. It’s the first time the big man had been traded in his career after spending his first five seasons in the NBA with the C’s. Williams made his first public comments with the Blazers since the trade Wednesday.
“You just realize it’s a business. Obviously coming into another great opportunity. Great team, great guys, great coaching staff. It’s been a great energy since I got here, man. So I’m excited.”
Summing up the first day of practice…
“Just kind of a learning stage. Helping me and Malcolm get acclimated. Really helping all of us learn. We’re kind of so young, like I said, we gotta lean on each other, support each other. So there’s a lot of hidden key points. Probably a little bit at the end, got after it a little bit. More of a learning practice, for sure.”
On if trade is easier coming with Brogdon…
“I mean, yeah, you could say that. I feel like no trade is easy, you know what I’m saying, especially your first one. But I got my dawg with me, so it made it a little bit (easier).”
On if it was disappointing to get traded…
“I mean, I feel like everybody is when that first trade happens. But like I said, I’m pretty content with knowing it’s a business. I got love for all those guys back there on that side always, and onto new beginnings.”
On what Blazers coach Chauncey Billups said he wants from him…
“Be myself, man. Be myself. Be a leader. Be vocal and go and encourage these guys.”
On if there are any conversations about starting or coming off the bench and role…
“Nah, I haven’t gotten that far. But you know me, man, I’m here for it all. So whatever you need me to do, I’m with it.”
On first impressions of No. 3 overall pick Scoot Henderson…
“That (expletive) is fast. Nah, he’s fast as hell. Just watching him on defense. His intensity. You’re just looking at his eyes sometimes, when Malcolm was dribbling the ball, just looking at his eyes and the focus that he had. It was crazy. He’ll be great, for sure.”
On Blazers needing a veteran and some length, things he’s talked about with Billups…
“We got a couple 7-footers it looks like. It just goes back to him telling to be more myself. Protect that rim. First thing they did to me was break down the defensive coverages, letting me know where I’ll be, where I can be vocal at and where I can carry the team.”
On going from title contending on the Celtics to a rebuilding team like the Blazers…
“You’re just hoping to be able to spread the knowledge a little bit or spread what I know and vice verse learn from these guys. Just kind of a give-give situation.”
On suddenly being a veteran on a young Blazers team…
“That’s still surreal, if I’m gonna be honest with you. Like I said, it’s just owning that leadership role. Like coach said, stepping into it and becoming a leader.”
On where he’s at physically…
“I’m feeling good, for sure. I’m feeling good.”
On what he can bring to the Blazers defensively…
“Just guidance a little bit, man. Like I said, with such a young team, I’m young myself. I consider myself young a little bit. Just the guidance, man. Just sharpening the edge, correcting certain things. Like I said, them correcting me, too. It goes a long way.”