Deron Williams, UFA
Position: Point Guard
Age: 32 (6/26/1984)
Experience: 12th Season
2016-17 Slash Line: .438/.363/.826
2016-17 Season Averages: 25.9 MPG, 11.0 PPG, 5.6 APG, 2.3 RPG, 1.3 3PM
The New York Knicks would be right to be hesitant to sign Deron Williams to any type of contract. Not only will Williams turn 33 years of age at the end of June, but he’s struggled to remain healthy and rarely defends at a respectable level.
True as that all may be, Williams could be an ideal backup point guard in a system that requires a point guard who can both space the floor and facilitate.
Williams is still a high-quality facilitator, as evidenced by his assist-to-turnover ratio of 2.61 in 2016-17. He’s a maestro when working the pick and roll, and a willing passer who may seek out the assist, but still gets his teammates involved.
Williams is also an efficient 3-point and free throw shooter who could work off-ball and space the floor as a member of the triangle offense.
There are other options to consider at point guard, but Williams has a level of proficiency that could be of value in a backup’s capacity. He’s likely to be inclined to re-sign with the Cavaliers, but he should be viewed as an option.
If the Knicks stick with Carmelo Anthony and give winning now one final shot, then going after Williams as a facilitator who can play 20-to-25 minutes per game could be beneficial.
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