Is Derrick Williams athletic enough + good enough defensively to play the SF position full time in the NBA?
As a power three?
That's a really good question. As of right now, no. Potentially, yes.
You can't just rely on your athleticism to everything on the NBA level. The guys playing at that level are all world class athletes. I feel like Derrick Williams is currently at this point. You need to refine your game and become more of a basketball player than simply an athlete playing the game of basketball if that makes sense.
What about his offensive game?
I read that he has been very effective in isolations in creating shots as a PF in college. That he is simply too quick and skilled away from the hoop for PFs to stop him.
How does his offensive game shape up against NBA small forwards with above average quickness and defensive ability? For example, a Trevor Ariza or a Marvin Williams.
Is Derrick Williams an explosive enough + quick enough athlete to beat them one-on-one? And does he have the ball-handling and shot-creation ability to do so?
Or, does D.Williams needs to play the four to create a matchup advantage like this?