Brief Introduction of Robert Williams III
Robert Lee Williams III is an American professional basketball player, currently playing as a center for the Portland Trail Blazers in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Nicknamed the “Time Lord,” he is renowned for his exceptional athleticism, shot-blocking prowess, and defensive capabilities. Williams III played his college basketball for the Texas A&M Aggies, where he was a two-time Southeastern Conference (SEC) Defensive Player of the Year. Selected by the Boston Celtics with the 27th overall pick in the 2018 NBA draft, he developed into a key defensive anchor for the team. His breakout season in 2021-22 saw him earn NBA All-Defensive Second Team honors and play a crucial role in the Celtics’ run to the NBA Finals. In October 2023, Williams was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers. Despite his career being hampered by injuries, his impact on the court as a formidable rim protector and energetic presence remains undeniable.
Robert Williams III Overview
| Full Name | Robert Lee Williams III |
| Date of Birth | October 17, 1997 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 28 |
| Birthplace | Shreveport, Louisiana, U.S. |
| Profession | Professional Basketball Player |
| Husband/Wife | Not publicly available. He is believed to be unmarried. |
| Family | Parents: Robert Williams and Tondra Williams. Sister: Brittani Williams. |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Information not publicly disclosed. He was previously linked to Asia Rigmaiden, the mother of his son. |
| Net Worth | Estimated to be around $11 million. |
Early Life and Education of Robert Williams III
Robert Williams III was born in Shreveport, Louisiana, to Robert and Tondra Williams. He grew up in Vivian, Louisiana, where he attended North Caddo High School. During his high school career, Williams established himself as a dominant force on the basketball court. He was a consensus four-star recruit and was ranked as the number one prospect in the state of Louisiana for the class of 2016. ESPN ranked him 50th overall in their Top 100 for his graduating class. His impressive performances in high school drew the attention of numerous college basketball programs across the country. Ultimately, he committed to playing for Texas A&M University, choosing the Aggies over other potential suitors.
Robert Williams III’s Career
College Career
Williams III made an immediate impact upon his arrival at Texas A&M. In his first collegiate game, he showcased his defensive potential with five points, seven rebounds, and five blocks. As a freshman during the 2016-17 season, he averaged 11.9 points, a team-high 8.2 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game. His stellar play earned him the title of SEC Defensive Player of the Year, and he was also named to the Second-Team All-SEC and the SEC All-Freshman Team. Despite being projected as a potential first-round pick in the 2017 NBA draft, Williams III decided to return to Texas A&M for his sophomore season to further develop his game. In his second year, he continued to be a defensive stalwart, averaging 10.4 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game. He was once again named the SEC Co-Defensive Player of the Year, becoming one of a select few to win the award twice. Following the conclusion of his sophomore season, Williams declared for the 2018 NBA draft.
Professional Career
Williams III was selected by the Boston Celtics with the 27th overall pick in the 2018 NBA draft. His early career was marked by some off-court issues, including missing his introductory conference call and his flight for the start of summer league practice, which led to the creation of his famous nickname, “Time Lord,” by Celtics fans on social media. Initially, he spent time between the Celtics and their G League affiliate, the Maine Red Claws. However, he gradually carved out a role for himself in the Celtics’ rotation with his energy, athleticism, and shot-blocking ability. His breakout season came in 2021-22, where he became the starting center for the Celtics. That season, he averaged career highs of 10.0 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game and was named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team. He was a critical component of the Celtics team that reached the 2022 NBA Finals. On December 31, 2021, he recorded his first career triple-double with 10 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists against the Phoenix Suns. However, his career has been significantly impacted by a series of injuries, particularly to his knees. In October 2023, Williams III was part of a trade that sent him to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for Jrue Holiday. His first season with the Trail Blazers was cut short after just six games due to a knee injury that required surgery. He has continued to work on his recovery and made his return to the court in late 2025.
Robert Williams III Personal Life & Family
Robert Williams III is known for being a private person when it comes to his personal life. He is the son of Robert Williams and Tondra Williams, who are now separated. He also has a sister named Brittani. Williams is a devoted father to two children. His daughter, Ava, was born in December 2018. He welcomed his son, Hendrix Rome, in January 2022. The mother of his son is Asia Rigmaiden, though their current relationship status is not publicly known. Williams has spoken about the joys of fatherhood and balancing his life as a professional athlete with being a parent, citing teammates like Al Horford and Jayson Tatum as role models in this regard.
Awards and Achievements of Robert Williams III
- NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2022)
- 2× SEC Defensive Player of the Year (2017, 2018)
- Second-team All-SEC (2017)
- SEC All-Freshman Team (2017)
- 2× SEC All-Defensive Team (2017, 2018)
Robert Williams III Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Robert Williams III’s net worth is estimated to be around $11 million. His primary source of income is his NBA salary. In 2021, he signed a lucrative four-year, $48 million contract extension with the Boston Celtics. His contract with the Portland Trail Blazers will see him earn a base salary of $13,285,713 in the 2025-26 season. In addition to his on-court earnings, Williams also has endorsement deals with brands such as Nike and Panini, which contribute to his overall net worth.
Legacy and Influence
Despite his career being frequently interrupted by injuries, Robert Williams III has already crafted a legacy as one of the most impactful defensive players in the modern NBA. His unique combination of size, length, and explosive athleticism makes him an elite rim protector and a versatile defender capable of switching onto smaller players. His “Time Lord” persona, which began as a joke about his tardiness, has evolved to represent his uncanny ability to seemingly alter the timeline of plays with his timely blocks and defensive rotations. He played a pivotal role in anchoring the Boston Celtics’ top-ranked defense during their run to the 2022 NBA Finals, demonstrating his immense value to a championship-contending team. His energy and hustle are infectious, often inspiring his teammates and exciting the fanbase. Off the court, he has shown a commitment to his family, providing an example of a dedicated father while navigating the demands of a professional basketball career.
Interesting Facts about Robert Williams III
- His nickname, “Time Lord,” originated from an online Celtics fan community after he was late for his introductory press call and missed a flight to his first summer league practice.
- He is one of only a handful of players in SEC history to be named the conference’s Defensive Player of the Year in back-to-back seasons.
- In a game against the New Orleans Pelicans in December 2018, as a rookie, he famously blocked two shots from superstar Anthony Davis, showcasing his immense potential.
- Williams recorded his first career three-pointer during his time with the Portland Trail Blazers.
- He is a devoted father of two children, a daughter named Ava and a son named Hendrix.
Controversies
Early in his professional career, Robert Williams III faced some minor controversies related to his punctuality. He overslept and missed his initial conference call with the media after being drafted by the Boston Celtics and was also late for the team’s first summer league practice due to missing his flight. These incidents led to questions about his work ethic and maturity at the time. However, he has since largely overcome these early concerns and established himself as a dedicated professional.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram – williams.lll
- Twitter – Not publicly available
- YouTube – Not publicly available
Final Words about Robert Williams III
Robert Williams III’s journey in the NBA has been a compelling story of immense talent and resilience in the face of adversity. His defensive prowess and athletic gifts are undeniable, making him a game-changing presence whenever he is on the court. While injuries have been a persistent challenge, his determination to return to form is a testament to his character. Now with the Portland Trail Blazers, he has the opportunity to re-establish himself as one of the league’s premier defensive big men. The next chapter of his career will be closely watched, as fans and analysts alike hope to see the “Time Lord” stay healthy and consistently showcase the full extent of his extraordinary abilities, solidifying his legacy as a dominant force in the paint and a key contributor to his team’s success.
