The Curious Case Of Derrick Williams And Why It May Work Out

By Steve Conoscenti | Oct 11, 2015

Oct 9, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; New York Knicks forward Derrick Williams (23) shoots the ball as Washington Wizards center Josh Harrellson (55) defends in the second quarter at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

When the New York Knicks entered free agency with some money to spend, there weren’t too many people who penciled Derrick Williams in as one of the potential signings.

Williams has somewhat of a tarnished name, as most draft “busts” do throughout the history of the NBA. But there had to be a reason the Minnesota Timberwolves selected Derrick Williams second overall in 2011. After all, Williams was in consideration for the No. 1 overall pick at times through his career at Arizona.

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But through all the rough, Phil Jackson may see a diamond. In what you could call a headscratcher of a move, the Knicks signed Derrick Williams to a two-year, $10 million deal with a player option after the first year. Besides the money, the player option raises questions as well, but that’s for later.

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So what is it? What are we missing that Phil Jackson isn’t? It could be as simple as the Zen Master wanting to take a shot on a 24-year-old loaded with potential in hopes that he finally figures it out in year 5 of his career. Digging a bit deeper, there could indeed be something in Williams that the Knicks see that may not be visible on a surface littered with cons.

The second year of Derrick Williams’ short career was his best, averaging 12 points and 5.5 rebounds per game on 43 percent shooting in 25 minutes per game (Knicks fans, you’ll take that). Since then, it’s been all downhill. Something interesting about that season: Williams took 38 percent of his shot attempts within three feet of the hoop, making those shots at a 60 percent clip (per Basketball-Reference).

Throughout his career, Williams shoots 64 percent 0-3 feet from the hoop. The next most efficient shot? The midrange jumper in which he only hits 36 percent of his attempts. For reference, Wilson Chandler shoots 65 percent from 0-3 feet, Trevor Ariza 62 percent, Luol Deng 64 percent and Demare Carroll 66 percent… all players in the same athletic wing-type mold.

There’s no comparison to be made between Derrick Williams and any of the aforementioned players. But what it does show is that Williams, when taking it to the rim, is just as efficient if not more efficient than some of the upper-echelon small forwards (or stretch-4’s) in the league.

Williams’ performance in Friday night’s preseason game against the Wizards corroborates the theory of his success at the rim. Four of William’s six made field goal attempt came in the paint, while only missing one. His other three misses? All from three-point range.

Now I digress, we are dealing with a small sample size and a lot of hypotheticals, but the plan for Derrick Williams may be a little clearer now. Phil Jackson is gambling on potential, but he’s also gambling on himself, the roster he’s put together, and his coaching staff. If he feels Williams will know his role and not try to expand upon it, not only does the contract make sense, it may be a bargain.

Williams’ previous two stops have not been with the most talented of clubs and the healthiest of coaching staffs. Minnesota hasn’t developed a young, raw player since…well I don’t know when. And the Kings? You know all about the Kings. Could New York of all places be the place the former No. 2 overall pick figures it out?

The one caveat: the player option. If Williams outplays his contract, he can opt-out and the Knicks will be forced to use precious cap space to bring him back. If he doesn’t pan out, he opts in to guarantee himself the money, and the Knicks are stuck paying someone $5 million that isn’t contributing the way they should.

The contract offers little upside. But the player? He certainly does.

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