Knicks Rumors: Pros and Cons of potentially signing Alan Williams

PHOENIX, AZ - MARCH 05: Alan Williams #15 of the Phoenix Suns celebrates with Devin Booker #1 after scoring against the Boston Celtics during the second half of the NBA game at Talking Stick Resort Arena on March 5, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Celtics 109-106. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ - MARCH 05: Alan Williams #15 of the Phoenix Suns celebrates with Devin Booker #1 after scoring against the Boston Celtics during the second half of the NBA game at Talking Stick Resort Arena on March 5, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Celtics 109-106. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 6
Next
CHICAGO, IL – FEBRUARY 24: Alan Williams #15 of the Phoenix Suns dunks against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on February 24, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls defeated the Suns 128-121 in overtime. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL – FEBRUARY 24: Alan Williams #15 of the Phoenix Suns dunks against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on February 24, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls defeated the Suns 128-121 in overtime. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

Pro: Offensive Value

The New York Knicks are entering rebuild mode under general manager Steve Mills. The organization is interested in building a roster flush with young and promising players, and 24-year-old Alan Williams would certainly fit the bill.

Although far from an elite offensive player, Williams has shown the flashes of becoming a valuable contributor on the offensive end of the floor.

Through 57 career NBA games, Williams boasts averages of 17.4 points, 4.8 offensive rebounds, and 1.2 assists per 36 minutes. He lacks ideal shooting range and isn’t the most explosive of athletes, but he has an improving feel for the game.

Not only can Williams exploit the opposition on the offensive glass, but he has excellent touch and a throwback game.

Williams is comfortable playing with his back to the basket, primarily due to the strength of his jump hook. It’s still a work in progress, but his range is expanding out to the free throw line—a promising sign that he could be of versatile offensive value in the future.

Williams also averaged 5.0 screen assists per 36 minutes in 2016-17, which displays his ability to not only pass from the high post, but create openings for his teammates.