Yes he might and probably will get injured again. So what? Williams III is magnificent on both end of the floor both individually and as a veteran teammate. Rat Ball turns in to NBA basketball when he's on the floor. The fact that he will probably get injured again should assuage those who want to tank. He's no Josh Hart who will be pissed sitting on the pine in the tanking process. Williams III is a perfect piece, a highly-intelligent and highly skilled role player in the ilk of Draymond Green. He may be a future Bill Walton (no, I'm not comparing their skill levels, just positive effect and health concerns) and be healthy in a season the Blazers are contenders. (Maybe the Bill Walton who won a chip with the Celtics comparison.)
He is probably the most desired trade asset POR has. POR needs picks and lots of them. Package the vets to obtain FRPs.
Trade Robert Williams III The guy is not going to have a long career. He's playing well. He can help a playoff team RIGHT NOW. Get what you can.
RWIII is a great piece for a team that is looking to contend, he plays winning basketball and that is the EXACT reason why he should be dealt today! Oh yea and the fact that he's bound to be hurt at any point is a good reason as well as the guy can't stay healthy. Not only is he a great role player for a contending team, he will help the Blazers win a few too many games this season when the tank should be in full effect!
If we can get a decent FRP then I'd trade him. If not then keep him, we might get a pick later if he strings together enough healthy time, and if not he is an awesome vet to have on the team.
I'd agree if we were even sniffing a competitive team or if Simons could be flipped by himself. That being said, have to agree with others - package him to unload Simons/Grant.
No, Scoot, Sharpe, Clingan, Camara, maybe Rupert are all more desireable. Now he might be the most positive impact player on the floor when playing - but teams know he doesn't even average half a season. Grant or some others might have more trade value. I think he'll need at least a dozen games played before other teams start to offer up some real assets. If the Blazers can get a FRP then sure shop him. If not then just wait to hope that return incraeases. Happy to have him on the team while we wait. As opposed to vets like Grant/Ant/Ayton that are horrible models of how we want young guys to play.
I like the idea of eventually trying to gamble he has a healthy year when we make a playoff run. Certainly wouldn't be for a few years at the earliest. Its a fun hypothetical/fantasy.
It just comes down to the return another team is willing to give up. If Timelord can only get a 2nd round pick in a trade then its not worth giving up on him even if its very likely he gets hurt again. Worst case scenario with him getting hurt again isn't that bad as his contract will be expiring next season and is only about ~$10 million.
His value may be worth more by what he can teach Clingan than what he brings on the court in games. What a fantastic role model for a big. We finally have that big man coach...on the team.
I just watched some highlights and he is really strong. Great hands. Not afraid to use his strength. Big fan.
if it's a juicy first, think long and hard about it based on the team and how far out the pick is. if it's just seconds, no thanks. you might as well just keep him.
I really like his game, but echo the same sentiments as many here. If the right trade is available, you have to do it. With that said, he sure is making the Blazer more desirable to watch. Also, maybe he can be a bit of a mentor to Klingon and show him some veteran paint pointers.
