ChrisHaynes, CSNNW.com NBA & Trail Blazers Insider
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ElliotWilliams was primed to have a breakout year for the Portland TrailBlazers this upcoming 2012-13 season. Unfortunately, for the youngguard, he will be relegated to another rehab assignment.
Alittle over two weeks ago, Williams tore his left Achilles tendon ina voluntary workout at the team's practice facility in Tualatin,Ore., and will miss the entire 2012-13 season. This is the secondtime Williams will miss a full season.
Williamssays the way in which he tore his Achilles, was just one of thosefluky plays. He goes on to describe how it happened.
Ihad just converted an alley-oop and then started to back-pedal ondefense. When I was on defense, Luke (Babbitt) was dribbling and hemade a move and I went for the steal and my knee just gave out,Williams told CSNNW.com.
It'sa tough situation. I'm not going to sit here and say that it's nothard. After putting so much work in to get where I wanted to be andfor this to happen, is just frustrating. But, my spirits have gottenbetter. I'm still young. It's just one more obstacle in my way.
Williamssaid it's possible that he might be healthy enough to play at theback-end of the 2012-13 season, but adds he'll likely sit out thewhole year to get ready for the 2013-14 season.
Itcould fit in where I'm good to go at some point this season, but atthe same time, I need to focus on getting my body right and mynutrition," Williams said. "I'm going to take my time and make sure I'm ready for nextyear.
Nextyear, Williams could be playing in a different uniform.
TheTrail Blazers have a team-option on Williams' fourth year and Oct.31, is the deadline to exercise or turn down the option. Williamssays his health is what's important right now an that's his mainconcern.
Iwant to be in Portland, but I'm at a point in my life where I'm justtrying to get healthy, Williams said. There's no doubt I wantto be here, but I can't worry about that right now.
Williamsis currently in Los Angeles and is headed to Memphis in the comingdays to be amongst family. He will not be in attendance at TrailBlazers' media day, but says he will be around the team all year andplans to make some road trips.
FormerTrail Blazer center Greg Oden had difficulties dealing with life offthe court and ultimately, according to Oden, "pretty much became an alcoholic" due to his inner circle and the ups and downs of his NBA career.
Williams is verymuch aware of Oden's story and says that his support system is filledwith positive, encouraging individuals.
Onething I can count on is my family, Williams said. The coachesin Portland have been very supportive, my teammates have beensupportive and my family have all been here. I can fully say that mysupport system is great. This is something that I'll get through.
