New York Knicks Should Re-Sign Derrick Williams

Jan 20, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Derrick Williams (23) after making a three-point shot against the Utah Jazz during the overtime of an NBA basketball game at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks defeated the Jazz 118-111 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

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Jan 13, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; New York Knicks power forward Derrick Williams (23) dunks over Brooklyn Nets shooting guard Bojan Bogdanovic (44) during the second quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

Pick & Roll Offense

One of the primary strengths of Jeff Hornacek’s offense is the consistency and diversity with which he runs the pick-and-roll. That clearly depends heavily on the quality of the playmakers, but it also requires players who can operate on the other end of things.

Derrick Williams could be the perfect weapon to be utilized as a screen setter with pick-and-roll and pick-and-pop versatility.

Hornacek has the size, length, and frame to set hard screens at the top of the key at 6’9″ and 240 pounds with a near 7’2″ wingspan. He’s also an explosive athlete who has soft hands and excels at playing above the rim.

With the right facilitator, Williams can be a force of nature under coach Hornacek.

The key to Williams’ effectiveness will be the development of his jump shot. He converted just 29.3 percent of his 3-point field goals in 2015-16, but shot 31.4 percent in 2016-17, and is capable of spacing the floor.

If Hornacek can tap into Williams’ upside as a shooter, he can run the pick-and-roll through him.

Next: Capitalizing On An Opportunity

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