Boston Williams’ Robert Williams: COVID-19 ‘had a negative effect on me’

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

The resulting quarantine – from which Williams finally returned on Tuesday – was a “difficult time” for the great third-year man.

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

Unlike Marcus Smart, who tested positive for COVID in March, Williams had flu-like symptoms, including cold sweats. He described a sleepless night, pulling and pulling his blankets while trying to get comfortable.

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

Williams said his daughter and mother have recovered.

“My daughter, she didn’t really have any symptoms,” said Williams. “Still playing, still running, but I had to keep an eye on her.”

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

“As the days went by, 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 conditioning, keeping myself a little bit strong. But for the most part, it was just downtime. “

Williams was part of a large contingent of Celtics who were forced to waste time. Jayson Tatum reportedly tested positive as well, and Jaylen Brown, Grant Williams, Tristan Thompson, Javonte Green and Semi Ojeleye were all quarantined due to contact tracking. Carsen Edwards was later discarded due to health and safety protocols.

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

The quarantined Celtics held a group chat, checking on each other and offering encouragement.

“Just telling people to stay safe, healthy, to check people’s family members,” said Williams. “It is a great team effort that I thank my teammates for checking me out, obviously, because it was a difficult time.”

With a fight against the Sixers and Joel Embiid approaching, Williams is happy to be back on the court.

“I am very happy to be back here with my boys. The test discouraged me a little, flu-like symptoms. But I’m here, so I can’t complain man. I’m happy.”