Report: Blazers C Robert Williams III needs surgery on injured knee

Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III needs surgery on his injured right knee after being hurt in Sunday's game against the Memphis Grizzlies and will miss extended time, according to ESPN.

The specifics on the procedure and the length of time Williams is expected to miss were not immediately available.

The team website announced Williams' injury on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Sunday night following Portland's 112-100 loss to the Grizzlies.

Williams, 26, was acquired from the Boston Celtics in the Jrue Holiday trade consummated five weeks ago.

The first-round draft pick (No. 27 overall) by Boston in 2018 missed the beginning of last season because of left knee surgery.

Williams, a second-team All-NBA defensive selection after the 2021-22 season, has averaged 6.8 points and 6.3 rebounds in six games this season.