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) /

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PHOENIX, AZ – MARCH 03: Taj Gibson /

Pro: Defensive Impact

The New York Knicks finished the 2016-17 NBA regular season at No. 23 in points allowed per game and No. 25 in points allowed per 100 possessions. Neither ranking was acceptable for a team that had the personnel for superior execution.

Although not an elite defensive player, Alan Williams approaches the game in a way that every member of the Knicks should.

Williams finished 2016-17 with averages of 10.1 defensive rebounds, 1.6 blocks, and 1.4 steals per 36 minutes. He ranked No. 22 amongst power forwards in Defensive RPM at +1.49—a significant ranking for such an inexperienced player.

Williams will need to improve his footwork and stay out of foul trouble, but his raw energy and tenacity on that end of the floor can be infectious.

Beyond the numbers, Williams provides a relatively consistent level of effort on the defensive end of the floor. His energy tends to be high and his teammates seem to hold him in high esteem due to his unfiltered passion for the game.

The New York Knicks have been sorely missing players who take pride in being a part of a unit that commits to defense.

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Alan Williams could prove to be the missing piece down low.