According to Fred Katz of MassLive, Boston Celtics rookie Robert Williams has an artery condition in both of his legs. Per their sources, the condition is “not too serious”.
Sources tell MassLive that Celtics rookie Robert Williams has been dealing with an artery condition in his legs. Details here: https://t.co/3aUtd2uxCV pic.twitter.com/QxoVczUBHl
— Fred Katz (@FredKatz) July 10, 2018
Williams is dealing with popliteal artery entrapment syndrome, or PAES, which is commonly found in athletes. Katz explains the vascular disease here:
“Because of where the muscles and tendons around Williams’ knee are positioned, they end up compressing the “popliteal artery,” the main one behind the knee, restricting blood flow to the lower leg. It can lead to cramping and calf pain during exercise, per Johns Hopkins Medicine.”
Teams were aware of this condition during the NBA Draft, and Williams has been playing with it for years according to MassLive. The Celtics will “regularly monitor his PAES.”
Adams Himmelsbach of the Boston Globe spoke to Williams who said that he hasn’t had pain “since midway through last season.”
New: Robert Williams spoke to the Globe about the artery condition in his legs. Said all NBA teams knew, and he hasn't had pain since midway through last season. "It starts like a little burning sensation & then it’ll just cramp up. It goes away though." https://t.co/jHmEBBJR9c
— Adam Himmelsbach (@AdamHimmelsbach) July 10, 2018