Celtics Rookie Robert Williams Injures Knee In Summer League Debut

Finally on the court after a rocky start to his Celtics career, 2018 first-round pick Robert Williams III was on the court for just six minutes before a knee contusion knocked him out of his Summer League debut on Friday night.

Held to just four points on a two-of-four night shooting and two rebounds in his six-minute effort in a 95-89 victory, Williams did his part to say that the injury was nothing, and said the contusion simply re-aggravated some knee tendinitis.

But the Celtics will play it safe with the 6-foot-10 big, who is expected to play a legitimate role on next year's center-strapped NBA squad, and have designated him as 'doubtful' for Saturday night's head-to-head with the Nuggets.

"Like we've said all along, we have the best training staff in the league," Celtics summer league head coach Jay Larranaga said. "And they are totally on top of his physical conditioning and everything. So we'll get an update before the game.

"I just kind of told him, 'Whatever is best for his long-term career, that's what I'll do.'"

With Williams III on the shelf, the Celtics will once again lean on Guerschon Yabusele to carry the load at center. Yabusele, who played in 33 games last season, had 16 points and seven rebounds in 23 minutes of action Friday night.