A borderline bust heading into the season, Derrick Williams rebooted his NBA career. The 2011 second overall pick by the Minnesota Timberwolves began the year glued to the Sacramento Kings bench, but the forward eventually carved out a niche as a reserve scorer and improved noticeably when head coach George Karl joined the team.
The incredibly athletic but enigmatic Williams remains an unfinished product, yet the 23-year-old was often the most entertaining player on the floor this season. His offense in transition and Richter scale-triggering dunks provided ample highlights for what was once again a disappointing Kings campaign.
Williams is set to enter free agency this summer. He’ll be a restricted free agent if the Kings like, but he did not qualify for the starter criteria, making his qualifying offer and cap hold equal to the 15th overall selection in the 2011 NBA Draft. Williams’ qualifying offer will land in the $4.4 million range with a cap hold of $7.2 million.
Strengths
Thanks to hard work last offseason, Williams smoothed out the mechanics of his jump shot, which paid off over the course of the schedule. Following the All-Star break, the wing shot 34.4 percent from downtown, while doubling his 3-point attempts to three per game after taking 1.4 in the season’s first half. Williams was excellent from the outside corners, where he shot 39.6 percent for the year.
Williams’ success from behind the arc forced defenders to close out, opening driving lanes. The forward delivered and scored a career-high 69.6 percent on attempts in the key. Williams showed a knack for finishing contested looks at the rim, as only 12.8 percent of his shots inside five feet were blocked. His SportsCenter-quality dunks accounted for 15 percent of his total shots, converting 89 percent despite high levels of difficulty. Williams made a career-high 44.7 percent of his field goals attempts in total.
“D-Thrill” ran the floor with ease and he was capable of pushing the ball himself. Williams averaged 1.4 turnovers per 36 minutes, the second-best rate on the team. His ability to dribble and penetrate considering his 6-foot-8, 240-pound stature is a testament to his unique talents.
Weaknesses
Aside from scoring, Williams was fairly one-dimensional. And that’s before mentioning he shot 30.9 percent on all jumpers, 27.8 percent on above-the-arc 3’s and a career-low 68.4 percent from the free throw line despite straightening his stroke.
When Williams caught the ball he often looked to score, to the detriment of his teammates. The wing averaged a career-best 5.6 assist percentage but dished only 1.2 assists per 36 minutes, the lowest rate for any Kings small forward. All too often, players cutting to the hoop were ignored in favor of power drives or off-balance mid-range shots.
Almost an achievement of sorts, Williams pulled down a career-low 2.7 rebounds per game and five rebounds per 36 minutes. Standing as tall as Rudy Gay with incredible leaping ability and desirable strength, Williams’ inability to haul in careens was a subject that peeved coach Karl and was likely a result of lack of focus.
Guarding threes or fours, Williams’ struggles on defense remained a concern. The fourth-year pro improved his perimeter play to match league-average levels, yet his work inside left more to be desired. Williams allowed assignments to shoot over 60 percent in the paint, as post players shuffled around him or fooled him with their first move. Williams managed a career-worst 0.1 block per 36 minutes, another reason opponents game-planned their offense in his direction.
2015-16 Projection
Williams was popular with fans and a sight to behold in person, but exercising his large cap hold makes little sense for a player who produces 8.3 points and 2.7 rebounds in 19.8 minutes a contest.
The Kings face the dilemma of pitching the qualifying offer and having Williams sign, or letting him test unrestricted waters only to bolt elsewhere. The latter scenario is the more likely reality as Sacramento looks to win now and doesn’t need another young project on its hands.
Nonetheless, Williams grabbed the league’s attention again after dropping his stock to an all-time low. A rebuilding club like the Los Angeles Lakers could be an ideal fit for the forward as he’s given ample minutes and leeway to make mistakes. His still-high ceiling will clamor suitors.
If Williams stays in Sacramento, he’ll have to compete for a role with a deep frontcourt that features Gay and likely Omri Casspi. The California native has been a class act since joining the Kings via trade in November 2013, but signs are pointing to the player and organization going separate ways.
Cowbell Kingdom would like your opinion. How do you grade Derrick Williams’ season?
[poll id=”75″]This is part seven of our continuing “Season in Review” series. Below are links to the first six articles.
Statistical data complied from NBA.com and Basketball-reference.com.
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