Robert Lee Williams III Bio
Robert Lee Williams III is an American professional basketball player who currently serves as a center and power forward for the Portland Trail Blazers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Nicknamed “Time Lord,” Williams played college basketball for the Texas A&M Aggies before being selected 27th overall in the 2018 NBA draft by the Boston Celtics. He developed into one of the NBA’s most impactful defensive players, earning NBA All-Defensive Second Team honors in 2022 after helping lead the Celtics to the NBA Finals that season.
Early Life and Background
Williams was born on October 17, 1997, in Shreveport, Louisiana. He attended North Caddo High School in Vivian, Louisiana, where he established himself as a highly regarded basketball prospect. A consensus four-star recruit, Williams ranked 50th overall in ESPN’s Top 100 for the class of 2016 and was considered the number one prospect in the entire state of Louisiana. His strong performance in high school attracted attention from multiple major college programs.
Given his success at North Caddo High School, Williams committed to Texas A&M University to continue his basketball career at the collegiate level. He chose the Aggies over other suitors, viewing Texas A&M as the best opportunity to develop his skills and eventually transition to professional basketball.
Path to Professional Basketball
Williams arrived at Texas A&M in 2016 and made an immediate impact during his freshman season. In his college debut, he recorded 5 points, 5 blocks, and 7 rebounds, showcasing the two-way potential that would define his career. He averaged 11.9 points and a team-high 8.2 rebounds per game during his freshman year, earning him SEC Defensive Player of the Year honors and Second-Team All-SEC recognition.
Despite being projected as a potential first-round lottery pick for the 2017 NBA draft, Williams surprised many by deciding to return to Texas A&M for his sophomore season. Following the Aggies’ exit from the 2018 NCAA men’s basketball tournament, he declared for the NBA draft, forgoing his final two seasons of collegiate eligibility. Although scouts viewed him as lottery talent for both the 2017 and 2018 drafts, he ultimately decided to pursue his professional dreams.
Robert Lee Williams III Career
Boston Celtics (2018–2023)
Despite expectations of being selected in the lottery, Williams fell to the 27th overall pick in the 2018 NBA draft, where the Boston Celtics selected him. Concerns about his work ethic contributed to his draft-day slide. On July 5, 2018, Williams signed his rookie contract with the Celtics. His early professional tenure was rocky, as he faced criticism for showing up late and missing team functions. His struggles with timekeeping earned him the enduring nickname “Time Lord” among Boston Celtics fans and online communities.
Williams made his NBA debut on October 23, 2018, playing four minutes in a loss to the Orlando Magic. He was assigned to the Maine Red Claws of the G League on November 2, 2018, splitting time between the NBA and development league throughout his rookie season. His opportunity came when injuries to veteran Al Horford opened up playing time, allowing Williams to showcase his defensive prowess. On December 11, 2018, he blocked two shots by NBA All-Star Anthony Davis during a game against the New Orleans Pelicans.
Breakthrough and Defensive Recognition (2021–2022)
The 2021-22 season marked Williams’ emergence as a defensive force. On December 31, 2021, he recorded his first career triple-double with 10 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists in a 123-108 victory over the Phoenix Suns. During the 2021 NBA playoffs, despite dealing with a turf toe injury, Williams delivered a historic performance in Game 1 of the first-round series against the Brooklyn Nets, blocking 9 shots to set a Celtics playoff record for blocks in a single game while adding 11 points and 9 rebounds.
However, the injury hampered him throughout the series, and he left Game 3 with a sprained ankle after playing just six minutes. He missed Games 4 and 5, and the Celtics lost the series 4-1. Following that season, Williams signed a lucrative four-year, $54 million extension to remain in Boston through the 2025-26 season. The 2021-22 campaign concluded with Williams being named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team as the Celtics reached the NBA Finals, with Williams serving as the team’s starting center.
Portland Trail Blazers Era (2023–Present)
On October 1, 2023, Williams’ tenure with the Celtics ended when he was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers as part of a multi-team deal that sent Malcolm Brogdon to Boston and Jrue Holiday to the Celtics. The trade included two future first-round draft picks going to Portland. Williams made his Trail Blazers debut on October 25, 2023, recording 10 points and 7 rebounds off the bench in a 123-111 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers.
Tragedy struck early in his Portland career when Williams suffered a patellar dislocation after colliding with Jaren Jackson Jr. during a game against the Memphis Grizzlies on November 5, 2023. He underwent successful right knee surgery shortly after, and the injury ended his season after just six games with the Trail Blazers.
Return from Injury and 2024–25 Season
Williams worked his way back from knee surgery and was cleared for training camp on September 30, 2024. He made his return from injury on November 8, 2024, contributing 13 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists off the bench in a 127-102 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Notably, this game marked the first time Williams ever scored a three-pointer in his NBA career. On November 25, 2024, he made his first start as a member of the Trail Blazers, recording 6 points, 1 assist, and 3 rebounds in 12 minutes of action against the Memphis Grizzlies.
During the 2024-25 NBA season, Williams appeared in 20 total games for Portland, averaging 5.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per contest. On March 20, 2025, he underwent an arthroscopic procedure to address inflammation in his left knee, resulting in a four-to-six week recovery timeline that ended his season.
Driving Style and Strengths
Williams has built his reputation as an elite rim protector and switchable defender capable of guarding multiple positions. His combination of size, length, and instincts made him one of the most feared shot-blockers in the NBA during his time with Boston. Offensively, he developed into an efficient finisher around the basket and developed some playmaking ability, as evidenced by his triple-double performance. His ability to cover ground quickly and contest shots without fouling distinguished him as a modern NBA big man.
Notable Events and Milestones
Williams’ career has been marked by both impressive achievements and significant injury challenges. His 9-block performance against the Brooklyn Nets in the 2021 playoffs set a Celtics franchise record for blocks in a playoff game. His 2021-22 All-Defensive Team selection and NBA Finals appearance represent the pinnacle of his career thus far. The “Time Lord” nickname has become synonymous with his career, transcending basketball to gain recognition from Timex. His career has also included multiple knee surgeries that have interrupted his development and momentum.
Robert Lee Williams III Career Highlights
Throughout his professional and collegiate career, Williams has accumulated numerous accolades, particularly on the defensive end of the floor. His ability to protect the rim and guard multiple positions has earned him recognition at both the college and professional levels.
NBA Career Highlights
At the NBA level, Williams’ most significant achievement came during the 2021-22 season when he was named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team. That same season, he helped guide the Boston Celtics to the NBA Finals as the team’s starting center. His single-season career high in points came during his triple-double performance against the Phoenix Suns in December 2021. The Celtics rewarded his growth with a four-year, $54 million contract extension following his breakout campaign.
College Career Highlights
Williams dominated during his two seasons at Texas A&M, earning SEC Defensive Player of the Year honors in both 2017 and 2018. He was named to the SEC All-Freshman Team in 2017 and earned Second-Team All-SEC recognition that same year. His 8.2 rebounds per game as a freshman led the entire Texas A&M team, demonstrating his impact on the glass from the moment he arrived on campus.
Robert Lee Williams III Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Publicly available information does not provide details about Williams’ family background or any athletic lineage in his family. Limited information is available regarding his parents or extended family members.
Personal Life
In July 2018, it was revealed that Williams has popsiteal artery entrapment syndrome (PAES) in both legs, a vascular condition that could potentially require surgical intervention in the future if it degenerates. Williams is a father of two children, having a daughter and a son. He maintains an active presence on social media, where fans can follow his career and personal updates.
2025 Season Performance
The 2024-25 NBA season represented a year of recovery and limited action for Williams with the Portland Trail Blazers. After missing the entire 2023-24 season following patellar dislocation surgery, Williams worked diligently to return to the court. He appeared in 20 games during the season, showing glimpses of his defensive capabilities and athleticism while also demonstrating his expanding offensive game with his first career three-pointer.
Unfortunately, Williams’ season was cut short once again when he underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee in March 2025 to address inflammation. The four-to-six week recovery timeline ruled him out for the remainder of the campaign. This latest setback marks the latest in a series of knee injuries that have plagued Williams throughout his professional career, raising questions about his long-term durability.
The Trail Blazers organization continues to show patience with Williams as he works through his injury challenges. With his combination of defensive instincts and physical tools, Williams remains a high-upside player when healthy. The 2025-26 season will represent a pivotal year in his career as he aims to establish himself as a consistent contributor for Portland and prove he can stay healthy at the NBA level.