Derrick Williams The X Factor

[Lipoli390]

Rick Adelman referred to Derrick Williams as the team's X-Factor this season. He said Derrick needs to find his game, meaning he has to know his strengths and go to those strengths on the court. Very interesting to hear Adelman put so much stock in Derrick. Adelman must have seen some things in Derrick late last season that impressed him. Adelman is never one to talk up a player or a player's importance or potential.

[mjs34]

I think it is more likely that Flip has made a few suggestions to Adelman, and cutting Williams some slack is one of them.

[worldK]

I agree with adelman that derrick williams is the x factor. Its obvious that he has the talent to be a top level player in the league. Ive been a critic of williams since he has been here but i never deny that he has the talent. Its up to him to not end up like beasley,ricky davis or mccants. This upcoming season will be the make or break for williams as far his long term future with the wolves.

Put it simply, the way flip made up the roster, we wont have much flexibility going forward. Its back to the old 'improve from within' mindset of mchale and flip. Of the players we have, williams is the guy that has the talent to be a difference maker and make us into an elite team. Adelman simply recognize that fact and states the obvious. I dont think adelman needs flip to suggest him that. He has been with this group for 2 years to know that himself.

[Lipoli390]

World -- I agree with you completely on this.

[thedoper]

I think Adelman has done a great job with Williams. I suspect he is going to be a great part of the team this year and has earned an opportunity to show it with consistent improvement. My thought has been that bigs take time to develop, especially with Williams size and unique skillset. I loved the story on williams today in the pioneer press. He is talking about defense and not giving an inch to anyone else wanting to play the 3. I think the 3 will end up being his position with brewer switching between the 2 and 3 when his defensive skills are a better fit. He has gotten to a point where he knows the offense will come which I think is the proper mindset for him. I thought he spent a lot of time over thinking his role in the offense in the past rather than just taking it too the hoop. I also believe he can defend and if he is as hungry as he claims to be will be able to defend at a high level.

Here is the Pioneer press story:

http://www.twincities.com/sports/ci_24218526/minnesota-timberwolves-forward-derrick-williams-hopes-less-is

[TAFKASP]

Personally I think Ademan is just trying to put some confidence into Williams in the hopes that it will help him excel. Williams has never had the bad attitude of Beasley, McCants or Davis. Williams doesn't even have their lack of focus. What Williams has been lacking, and Lip has pointed this out numerous times, is the mental reflexes to know what to do in a given situation rather than having to think about what to do. All of his lapses have been mental lapses, not a lack of effort, not a lack of caring, just a lack of situational recognition.

I would love to believe that Williams is going to be that missing piece, but I honestly think he's going to be the type of player who makes minor contributions to his team until late in his career when he'll finally make that leap and have a couple really nice years. He'll make that leap because he'll have the experience that he doesn't have now because he started playing so late in life.

[bleedspeed]

It is going to be interesting if they pick up his contact for next year at the end of the month. If Shabazz shows potential does that make them not pick up his contract?

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

It is going to be interesting if they pick up his contact for next year at the end of the month. If Shabazz shows potential does that make them not pick up his contract?

I for one think they pick up his contract regardless of Shabazz's play. At the least, you could deal D-Will away. I hate letting assets leave on their own when they have trade value left.

[Lipoli390]

No question the Wolves will pick up Derrick's contract -- unless they trade him by Oct. 31. Take that to the bank.

[Lipoli390]

Some troubling news from Flip. He said Friday that Derrick is not working as hard as he should in practice and isn't showing the high motor needed for success. That's consistent the inside reports I got on Derrick last season and the year before as to why Adelman didn't think much of him. After two seasons and with so much on the line for Derrick, he should get it by now. So this latest report is particularly troubling and confirms my suspicion that Derrick just doesn't have the competitive drive neede to tap his potential and be a good NBA player. He's in the mold of a Wes Johnson and Michael Beasley, but more talented than Wes and smarter than Beasley.

I still have no doubt we'll pick up his option unless we trade him before Oct. 31. However, I am convinced we'll trade him later this season or next summer. Hopefully he'll get enough minutes and play we'll enough to build more trade value than we had in Wes Johnson -- who had negative trade value. I still have hope that Derrick's considerable talent under Adelman's coaching will ultimately make Derrick a positive trade asset by mid -season.