Looking for some help on the wing, the New Orleans Pelicans decided to take a flier on Troy Williams, hoping he can help fill the void.
Scanning up and down the New Orleans Pelicans‘ roster, it’s easy to see their gaping hole out on the wing, specifically at the small forward spot.
Jrue Holiday is a great two-way guard, while the threesome of Anthony Davis, Nikola Mirotic and Julius Randle should be able to hold down the frontcourt just fine.
Having said that, New Orleans could use an upgrade at the 3, given the team is likely to start Solomon Hill at that position, a guy who averaged just 2.4 points per game over the course of 12 appearances last year for the Pelicans.
Without much wiggle room in free agency, the Pelicans decided to go small, bringing in Troy Williams, according to Yahoo! Sports‘ Shams Charania.
He hasn’t shown much since entering the league in 2016, but in only 17 games last year for the New York Knicks, along with an impressive showing at NBA Summer League, the former Indiana product proved there may be a place for him in the league after all.
Welcome to New Orleans @troywilliams_! #Pelicans pic.twitter.com/1xCdwapBbd
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) July 27, 2018
As someone who’s had to fight for everything he’s gotten in the league, Williams has developed into one of those guys just full of hustle and energy.
He isn’t much of a creator on the offensive end, nor is he even an average outside shooter, but he’s able to see playing time by combining some elite athletic chops with the ability to play off the ball as a cutter and slasher.
It’s on the defensive end where that athleticism and tenacity come in hand as well. Williams is simply a ball hawk who will defend all 94 feet of the court and do a pretty good job of stifling his matchup.
New York’s Summer League squad saw impressive performances from the likes of Kevin Knox and Mitchell Robinson among others, but Williams had his moments of glory as well, playing with the same aggression on both ends that clearly piqued the Pelicans’ interest.
In five games out in Las Vegas, Williams averaged a modest 11.8 points and 4.0 rebounds in 20.6 minutes per game. But it’s the way in which he got those buckets, diving to the basket and displaying his leaping power, that makes him such an enticing player.
https://twitter.com/nbagleague/status/1021771990246608896
For a Pelicans team trying to keep up in the Western Conference, bringing in a guy like Williams certainly won’t move the needle all that far, but it was a modest addition that nudges the team in the right direction.
Every coach loves scrappy players that are constantly moving and always trying to prove themselves on both ends. Williams fits the bill, and he’s shown some talent that could be very useful for New Orleans.
With the likes of LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Paul George all representing the West, the Pelicans need a guy who might not be able to stop them, but who can at least be a presence when they have the ball.
Not only that, but Williams’ energy will also be a welcome sight on offense, where his cutting prowess should provide another dimension to New Orleans’ game plan.
Given his track record, there’s no guarantee Williams pans out for the Pelicans, but because of the little amount of risk they’re taking by bringing him in, it seems like he has no choice but to provide value, which makes this a solid move by NOLA’s front office.
Grade: B