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New York Knicks Should Re-Sign Derrick Williams

By Maxwell Ogden

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
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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Mar 27, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Gerald Green (14) dribbles against the Portland Trail Blazers at US Airways Center. The Trail Blazers won the game 87-81. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 27, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Gerald Green (14) dribbles against the Portland Trail Blazers at US Airways Center. The Trail Blazers won the game 87-81. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

The Gerald Green Comparison

The most apt comparison for this current situation is the way Jeff Hornacek revitalized Gerald Green’s career. Derrick Williams isn’t a carbon copy of Green, primarily due to the fact that he’s a cross between a 3 and a 4, rather than a 2 and a 3.

With that being said, Williams is essentially a more skilled version of Green—and that creates tremendous potential.

In 272 games before playing for Hornacek, Green averaged 8.0 points per game and 16.5 per 36 minutes on a slash line of .418/.350/.799. In 156 games under Hornacek, however, he averaged 14.0 points per game and 20.8 per 36 minutes on a slash line of .433/.380/.840.

For what it’s worth, Green averaged 8.9 points per game and 14.2 per 36 minutes on 39.2 percent shooting from the field without Hornacek in 2015-16.

Williams is comparable to Green as an explosive athlete who can dominate games in transition. Green was a much better shooter, but Williams is better off the bounce and is just as comfortable playing above the rim.

It stands to reason that Williams can break out in 2016-17 under Hornacek.

Next: Projecting The Future

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