Williams’ pain isn’t long-term issue
LAS VEGAS — Robert Williams’ first Celtics experience ended Sunday night with the rookie center still on the bench, unable to play in his fifth straight game because of pain in his left knee.
But Williams insists the pain from a contusion suffered on opening night of the NBA Summer League is not related to a deeper, potentially more insidious problem. He was diagnosed in college with popliteal artery entrapment syndrome, a condition that can restrict blood flow to his lower legs and cause cramping due to compression of the main arteries running along the backs of his knees.
Williams, and Celtics management, deny that the condition will impact his NBA career.
“Definitely won’t affect it. That’s why I’m still playing. I’ve seen three specialists, and none of them told me it would affect my career,” Williams said.
Danny Ainge concurs, and said the team had full knowledge of the condition when Williams was selected with the 27th pick on July 21.
“We evaluated everything, and these things are not related,” the Celtics president of basketball operations said about the contusion and what Williams referred to as a case of tendinitis is related to his artery condition.
Ainge also declined further comment on Williams’ condition, saying, “I really can’t talk about players’ health,” citing HIPAA privacy rules.
The Celtics now expect Williams to return to Boston soon, with the aim of continuing his treatment and workouts in the new training facility in Brighton.
Asked if Williams was off to a tough start, thanks to the knee issues and his failure to report for the first day of summer league practice, Ainge said, “I wouldn’t call it tough, but ideally he gets up to speed working with our coaches. Then we’ll try to make up time in September.”
Lemon deal in sight
The Celtics are in discussions with Walter Lemon Jr. on a two-way contract, continuing a process that began during a predraft minicamp in June when the 6-foot-3 point guard made a strong initial impression.
The former Bradley University star played through two 10-day contracts with New Orleans last winter after playing most of the year with the Fort Wayne Mad Ants of the NBA G League.
It was Lemon’s second stint with the Mad Ants. The 25-yearold has also played professionally in Hungary, Germany, Turkey and Greece.
“Speed and strength, experience,” Ainge said of what he likes about Lemon. “He’s been good in the G League, and we liked him in June.”
The two-way opening was created when the team waived Kadeem Allen on Sunday. Though a player with NBA-level defensive ability, Allen’s offense never got up to speed.
“Kadeem played well for us last year, and this summer he had a chance for other teams to look at him,” Ainge said. “He can play in the NBA. He plays fantastic defense.”
No decision on Bird’s nest
Though he rested the last two games, including the Celtics’ 9580 loss to Portland in the tournament quarterfinals Sunday, Jabari Bird made a strong impression with a 16.8 scoring average over four games.
Whether the Celts bring back the restricted free agent, another two-way player last season, is an open question.
“Still in the works,” said Ainge. “We’re evaluating the basketball world. There’s a lot of players out there.”
As for the ongoing free agency of Marcus Smart, who still has only received a $6.05 million qualifying offer from the Celtics, Ainge is still waiting to see what other offers the restricted free agent receives.
“Don’t know,” he said. “Everything is in negotiations right now. But we want Marcus back.”