Boston Celtics’ Robert Williams: COVID-19 ‘wreaked havoc on me’

Robert Williams said he learned he tested positive for COVID-19 when the Boston Celtics landed home after their trip to play for the Miami Heat earlier this month.

The resulting quarantine – which Williams finally returned on Tuesday – was a “rough patch” for the third-year big man.

“That’s all I know,” Williams said. “So it cost me dearly. But, like I said, I’m just happy to be back.

Unlike Marcus Smart, who tested positive for COVID in March, Williams exhibited flu-like symptoms, including cold sweats. He described a sleepless night, putting on and taking off his blankets as he tried to make himself comfortable.

Still, Williams had bigger concerns. Shortly before his own diagnosis, he learned that his daughter and his daughter’s mother both tested positive for COVID, as did his own mother three days ago.

Williams said her daughter and mother have both recovered.

“My daughter, she hasn’t really shown any symptoms,” Williams said. “Always playing, always running, but I had to watch her.”

For her own health, Williams has focused on hydration. The NBA is strict about what players can do after a positive diagnosis – no exercise is allowed for 10 days, then the player must go through two or three supervised practices.

“Over the days, I regained my strength,” said Williams. “When I felt I could move and do things, I did some stretching at home, just trying to stay on top of my fitness level, staying a little strong. But for the most part, it was just downtime. “

Williams was part of a large contingent of Celtics who were forced to run out of time. Jayson Tatum has also reportedly tested positive, and Jaylen Brown, Grant Williams, Tristan Thompson, Javonte Green and Semi Ojeleye have all been forced into quarantine due to contact tracing. Carsen Edwards was also excluded due to health and safety protocols.

Tatum will not be returning for Wednesday’s game against the Philadelphia 76ers, and Brad Stevens said Tatum’s status for Friday was “to be determined.”

The quarantined Celtics held a group chat, checking out and cheering on each other.

“You just have to tell people to stay safe, to stay healthy, to check on their family members,” Williams said. “It’s a lot of team effort put in that I thank my teammates for checking me out too obviously because it was a tough time.

With a game against the Sixers and Joel Embiid looming, Williams is happy to be back on the pitch.

“I’m really happy to be back here with my guys. The test depressed me a little, the flu symptoms. But i’m here so i can’t complain man. I am happy.”