Derrick Williams - Grantland - The Most Known Unknowns

[bleedspeed]

The question is who would be a better SF for us. Shabazz or DWill?

[Coolbreeze44]

The question is who would be a better SF for us. Shabazz or DWill?

DWILL

[bleedspeed]

I am thinking long term.

[Monster]

I think this was a pretty good article but I did have issues with saying Williams basically was too small to guard PFs in this league. He did just fine guarding the position last year but yes he isn't a shot blocker and his team defense is not as good as Daunte. The strides he made on that end were just short of massive. He was brutal in man post defense at times his rookie year. Everything else in the article was pretty much spot on.

The problem with Williams at PF is he has almost no post game. What is going to set up William's offensive game is his shot. It can set up drives and even cuts to the basket. I'll be shocked if they don't give him some minutes at SF this year and see what he can do there. If I had to bet on one guy to be our SF of the future I might actually bet on Chase because I could see him becoming a Redick type thats a really good shooter that does just enough else to make him worthwhile. Defensively the way this team is currently set up that might not be enough but heck I would still take that and see where we could go.

[WildWolf2813]

The question is who would be a better SF for us. Shabazz or DWill?

Shabazz, for he is already a SF.

[mjs34]

I just don't think he has a future with us unfortunately. Not because I don't think he will improve, but because we just won't have the money. When it comes time to pay Rubio, where is the money for Williams? If he plays well and deserves a raise, we won't have the money. If he doesn't play well, we already have people signed at his positions so no love lost. I guess it's a pick your poison but in reality, any poison ends up in him leaving.

Considering he is already a better player than Buddinger, it really makes Flip look stupid for giving Bud a three year 15 mil deal. If we need more salary room we shouldn't be handing out these deals to guys that are mediocre and have no chance of improving. Why is it Williams money that is suddenly the problem? Brewer, Bud, DC, Shved, and JJ are all expendable players, and with the exception of Shved aren't likely to improve significantly.

The next question is who is this mle FA that is going to come in and make a difference. We couldn't find one this season, so why would it be any different next year?

[bleedspeed]

great point SJM - I think we overpaid a lot this offseason. If we don't make the playoffs someone will have to explain the signings.

[TAFKASP]

Considering he is already a better player than Buddinger, it really makes Flip look stupid for giving Bud a three year 15 mil deal. If we need more salary room we shouldn't be handing out these deals to guys that are mediocre and have no chance of improving. Why is it Williams money that is suddenly the problem? Brewer, Bud, DC, Shved, and JJ are all expendable players, and with the exception of Shved aren't likely to improve significantly.

The next question is who is this mle FA that is going to come in and make a difference. We couldn't find one this season, so why would it be any different next year?

DC is in the final year of his deal if I remember correctly.
Bud will have just two years $5m each shouldn't be difficult to move if they have other options after this season.
JJ will have just one year left after this one at just over $4m, again, imminently tradable.
Shved too will have only one year left and unless he implodes this years is again, tradable.

Personally I will be surprised if Flip doesn't exercise DWill's option given that the roster has room for moves to be made as needed. I'm not sure that will be good though, I have said before DWill's issue is between the ears, and those are the issues least likely to be fixed.

Physically gifted players that never had it upstairs to be good are a dime a dozen in the NBA. Just like there are many gimps in the league that have made good careers for themselves because they had it going on upstairs and could adjust. Time to stop thinking of DWill as the 2nd pick and begin thinking of him as the journeyman he is likely to be.

KLove/RRubio/NPekovic/KMartin <-- The rest just play a role.

The Wolves have enough options and talent to be very good this year if they can stay healthy. As for next summer I think they are well positioned to make some non-blockbuster moves if needed.

[Monster]

I just don't think he has a future with us unfortunately. Not because I don't think he will improve, but because we just won't have the money. When it comes time to pay Rubio, where is the money for Williams? If he plays well and deserves a raise, we won't have the money. If he doesn't play well, we already have people signed at his positions so no love lost. I guess it's a pick your poison but in reality, any poison ends up in him leaving.

Considering he is already a better player than Buddinger, it really makes Flip look stupid for giving Bud a three year 15 mil deal. If we need more salary room we shouldn't be handing out these deals to guys that are mediocre and have no chance of improving. Why is it Williams money that is suddenly the problem? Brewer, Bud, DC, Shved, and JJ are all expendable players, and with the exception of Shved aren't likely to improve significantly.

The next question is who is this mle FA that is going to come in and make a difference. We couldn't find one this season, so why would it be any different next year?

I disagree that Williams is a better player than Bud right now. I don't totally disagree with your total point though. I think the Bud signing is ok though becasue I so think he has upside as a role player sort of in the mold of a JJ Redick or on the lower end Korver type guy.

You bring up a significant question though in your 2nd paragraph. Name a MLE that really was a significant piece to any team in the last 15 years. If I remember right there are not very many of them its a really poor way of getting guys that really help your team. In other words we will need to hope some guys step up or make a trade to bring in some more talent. We do have some pieces like Williams JJ that might get us the right solid role player in return. Williams whether as a player or as an asset is a big factor in how this team goes forward. I keep hoping he can become a factor on the floor for us.

[mjs34]

I just don't think he has a future with us unfortunately. Not because I don't think he will improve, but because we just won't have the money. When it comes time to pay Rubio, where is the money for Williams? If he plays well and deserves a raise, we won't have the money. If he doesn't play well, we already have people signed at his positions so no love lost. I guess it's a pick your poison but in reality, any poison ends up in him leaving.

Considering he is already a better player than Buddinger, it really makes Flip look stupid for giving Bud a three year 15 mil deal. If we need more salary room we shouldn't be handing out these deals to guys that are mediocre and have no chance of improving. Why is it Williams money that is suddenly the problem? Brewer, Bud, DC, Shved, and JJ are all expendable players, and with the exception of Shved aren't likely to improve significantly.

The next question is who is this mle FA that is going to come in and make a difference. We couldn't find one this season, so why would it be any different next year?

I disagree that Williams is a better player than Bud right now. I don't totally disagree with your total point though. I think the Bud signing is ok though becasue I so think he has upside as a role player sort of in the mold of a JJ Redick or on the lower end Korver type guy.

You bring up a significant question though in your 2nd paragraph. Name a MLE that really was a significant piece to any team in the last 15 years. If I remember right there are not very many of them its a really poor way of getting guys that really help your team. In other words we will need to hope some guys step up or make a trade to bring in some more talent. We do have some pieces like Williams JJ that might get us the right solid role player in return. Williams whether as a player or as an asset is a big factor in how this team goes forward. I keep hoping he can become a factor on the floor for us.

Bud is the same player today that he was when he came into the league four years ago. He has literally shown no improvement. Williams is certainly a better defender already and posted a higher PER last season as well.