Knicks Rumors: New York expressed interest in Troy Williams
The New York Knicks have reportedly expressed interest in signing free agent wing Troy Williams. Williams was recently released by the Houston Rockets.
The entire NBA has been aware of Scott Perry’s pursuit of an athletic wing. The New York Knicks failed to acquire said player before the 2018 NBA trade deadline, but as the All-Star Break comes to an end, an intriguing option has presented itself.
A recent report implies that the Knicks will be in the running for a promising young player who became a casualty of a contender’s search for veteran aid.
The Houston Rockets recently signed veteran small forward Joe Johnson for the remainder of the 2017-18 regular season. Unfortunately, in order to bring Johnson on board, Houston was forced to part with 23-year-old swingman Troy Williams.
According to Ian Begley of ESPN New York, the Knicks are one several teams that have since expressed interest in signing Williams.
Knicks are one of several teams to express interest in Troy Williams, per league sources. Williams is expected to make a decision on his next destination soon. The 23-year-old 6-7 wing was waived by Houston to make room for Joe Johnson. NYK has an open roster spot at the moment.
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) February 20, 2018
Williams may not be the biggest name in the NBA, but his upside and athleticism have enabled him to become a coveted free agent.
Williams played three seasons for the Indiana Hoosiers during what became a solid college career. A four-star recruit coming out of high school, Williams provided Tom Crean with athleticism and defensive versatility during his time in Bloomington.
Williams averaged 13.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.1 steals, and 0.8 blocks on 51.3 percent shooting during his junior season, and announced his decision to turn pro shortly thereafter.
Williams went undrafted in 2016, but has done enough between the G League and the NBA to earn attention on the free agent market.
Williams is a force in transition, a crafty finisher around the rim, and a respectable shooter with three-point range. Those skills have enabled him to average 19.8 points per game on 46.6 percent shooting during his 19 appearances with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers of the NBA G League in 2017-18.
Williams has scored at least 10 points in nine of his 34 NBA games played, including the career-high 21 points he scored in April of 2017 for the Rockets.
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It’s unclear if Troy Williams will be signed long-term, but it’s encouraging to see the New York Knicks thinking about the future.