Former Celtics Forward Returns From Injury Following Near 14-Month Absence

The Boston Celtics selected Grant Williams with the 22nd pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. He was the first culture-resetting addition following the departure of Kyrie Irving and Terry Rozier that summer.

Williams spent four seasons in Boston, emerging as a valuable member of the bench rotation. He was part of the Celtics team that made it to the NBA Finals in 2022 under Ime Udoka. However, the versatile forward was ultimately traded to the Dallas Mavericks in a three-team trade.

Unfortunately for Williams, his time in Dallas was short-lived, and he was jettisoned to the Charlotte Hornets within months. Then, last season, in Williams’ first full campaign with the Hornets, disaster struck. The Tennessee product tore both his ACL and meniscus while facing the Milwaukee Bucks.

On Saturday, January 10, Williams finally made his return to the court. Head coach Charles Lee gave him 13 minutes of playing time off the bench. Williams ended the night with 9 points and 8 rebounds, although he struggled from the floor, hitting 3-of-10 from the field.

Charlotte ended the night with a win, defeating the Utah Jazz 150-95. As such, Williams’ shooting struggles were easily brushed under the rug. Furthermore, after nearly 14 months on the sidelines, he can be forgiven if he’s a little out of rhythm.

Nevertheless, seeing Williams back on the floor was an enjoyable moment, especially for any Celtics fans who decided to tune in and see the former draft pick reach a significant milestone.

Assuming he avoids another injury, Williams will face off against Boston when the Hornets play the Celtics on Wednesday, March 4.