Rob Williams' persistent leg malady is known as Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome, which in simple terms, means his popliteal arteries, located in the knee area, have a restricted blood flow due to impingement by adjacent muscles and tendons. The Celtics front office supposedly has known about the condition since before they drafted him.
Boston fans did receive later news that the condition had receded somewhat, thus eliminating the need for surgery, at least at that time. Rob's recent 4-year/$54 million extension most-likely indicates the Celtics staff feels there may never be need of surgery - or at worst, should surgery be required, a full recovery would be expected.
My guess would be that Williams' condition is being constantly monitored, and if the issue appeared to be progressing, it would seem that surgery would not be career-ending - and frankly, may not hamper Rob's performance on the hardwood in any noticeable way. Still, restricted blood flow to the legs of an athlete that relies on those appendages to lift him above his opponents can eventually damage the artery itself, and the muscles and other soft tissues it supplies with blood, and therefore, oxygen. Celtics fans hope that Rob remains healthy this season and beyond.
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