The Sudden Ascendancy of Derrick Williams
From draft flop to crucial bench player, the rise of Derrick Williams this season has been truly remarkable
Following the opening few weeks of last summer’s free agency period, a sense of major disappointment was palpable among the fans of the New York Knicks. Team President Phil Jackson had seemingly struck out among the team’s major targets – including LaMarcus Aldridge and Greg Monroe – and were forced to settle on a slew of B-List names instead.
Among these players was Derrick Williams, the former second overall pick who had wholly failed to fulfill the lofty expectations placed over his head following the 2011 NBA draft. This of course, lead to major exasperation among Knicks fans. After all, why was Phil Jackson dropping $5 million a season on a player most of the basketball universe had seemingly given up on? Not to be deterred, Williams has begun to thrive in the Big Apple, answering that question in a big, big way.
The former Arizona Wildcat has looked like a completely different player this past month, and is a major driving force behind a Knicks bench that’s playing a big part in the team’s ascendancy to a .500 record. He’s finally adding effort to his evident talent, and is starting to prove that maybe, he has a chance at a respectable NBA career after all.
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For starters, his contributions on the defensive end far outweigh anything he’s achieved in recent years. His rebounds per 36 minutes sits at 7.3, the highest it’s been in over four seasons, and his steals per 36 minutes is the joint highest of his career at 0.9. The most striking thing, however, is the positive effect he’s having on his teammates’ defensive efforts. Opponent’s average offensive rating – an estimate of points produced per 100 possessions – is 107.8 when he’s off the court, and drops to 104.1 when he’s on it.
It’s not just the statistics that display this new-found defensive adeptness though. All you have to do is watch him play. Formerly maligned for his lack of effort on the defensive end of the floor, Williams’ desire appears to have been rekindled. He’s chasing down loose balls, crashing the boards for rebounds, and more importantly, he’s actually trying!
This new-found effort has translated into numerous facets of his game. In the recent win against the Jazz, Williams contributed what was probably his team’s most crucial play on the offensive end of the court, and it spawned from pure, unadulterated grit.
Following an Arron Afflalo missed three pointer, Williams forced his way into the paint, tapping the ball into the air a good four times among a slew of Utah defenders, before grabbing the rebound and connecting on an and-1. The play was rewarded by an ecstatic Knicks bench and the capacity Madison Square Garden crowd chanting his name, which will likely encourage him to continue his hard-nosed ways.
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Additionally, Williams has finally found a way to utilize his unique offensive skill-set. With a powerful, 6’8 frame and enviable athleticism, he is usually best suited as a ball handler in the open court. And with this Knicks team in dire need of fast break opportunities, he has been primarily used as an energy push-off the bench when the Knicks offense has stagnated. According to Chris Herring of the Wall Street journal, he leads the NBA in coast to coast plays per 36 minutes, aggressively pushing the ball up the court following nearly a quarter of his rebounds.
There are still aspects of his offensive arsenal that need work. In particular, his 3 point percentage lies at a measly .244%, a career worst tally. However, Williams has finally seemed to find an offensive niche, and for the first time in his career, is becoming an integral part of an NBA team’s offense.
With improvements on both sides of the court, Derrick Williams is finally beginning to prove the hordes of doubters wrong, and is reminding everyone just why he was so highly rated following his sophomore season at Arizona.
With a player option to either opt in for a second season in New York, or explore a free agency market that will likely be filled to the brim with suitors, he now finds himself at a crossroads of sorts. With the Knicks seemingly on the verge of something special, however, Williams has the unique opportunity to be part of something big for the first time in his career.
Next: Carmelo Anthony Named 2016 NBA All-Star Starter!
Phil Jackson better hope he sees this and takes advantage of the situation.