Derrick Williams

[Lucky17]

Found this article on Williams and Minnesota.

http://www.startribune.com/sports/wolves/122272204.html

Some interesting tidbits in here, including Kahn cracking wise again in response to a trade rumor, and the fact that Williams interviewed with Wolves, Suns, and Celtics personnel at the combine yesterday.

Williams does sound confident. Good way, or bad? I'm not sure which just yet.

[theswitch]

While he would obviously add a ton of talent and youth to our team both now and in the future, I don't know what we would give up for him, or how he and Jeff Green aren't redundant.

[Chris]

While he would obviously add a ton of talent and youth to our team both now and in the future, I don't know what we would give up for him, or how he and Jeff Green aren't redundant.

Well, Williams is basically exactly what everyone wants Green to be.  Very similar skillset, but Williams is incredibly aggressive.

Honestly, I wouldn't read too much into this.  I am sure it is just Danny doing his due diligence in case an opportunity happens to present itself.  But, Williams would be a heck of a pickup for the C's if the price is right.

For example, if Danny likes Rubio (I am sure he has a better grasp on what he brings than anyone of us), I would strongly consider a Rondo for Rubio/Williams deal, and then trying to sign and trade Green this summer. 

But really, I doubt there is anything there.

[Evantime34]

I think he's the best player in the entire draft. He is way too rich for us to grab without trading one of the big 4 (which I wouldn't even consider for him).

[Moranis]

I think he's the best player in the entire draft. He is way too rich for us to grab without trading one of the big 4 (which I wouldn't even consider for him).

I disagree.  I think his peak is Marvin Williams and Jeff Green, which is a good player, but not #2 pick good.  He is going to go second, I just would have hesitation about it and like Minnesota would look to move the pick.

[barefacedmonk]

Will they trade Beasley if they sign Williams?

[Chris]

Will they trade Beasley if they sign Williams?

That would be interesting.  I think Beasley is probably the closest comp to Williams...except Williams is more interested in trying to defend, and doesn't have the maturity level of a 12 year old. 

I actually wouldn't be surprised if Beasley is part of the reason they are looking to trade the pick though, or why, if they keep it, they may even pass on Williams. 

[Evantime34]

I think he's the best player in the entire draft. He is way too rich for us to grab without trading one of the big 4 (which I wouldn't even consider for him).

I disagree.  I think his peak is Marvin Williams and Jeff Green, which is a good player, but not #2 pick good.  He is going to go second, I just would have hesitation about it and like Minnesota would look to move the pick.

Compare his numbers to the numbers Green and Williams put up in college. Marvin Williams didn't even start in college.
Here were Jeff Green's college numbers 14.3    6.4    3.2    with 37.5 3pt shooting.

Here are Derrick Williams college numbers 19.5    8.3    1.1    and 57% from 3! He is like these guys accept stronger and more aggressive. Green is however a better passer.

[Army_of_One_Nation]

If Gilbert and his staff are smart, they would commit to Williams at 1 and then go point (if they really want/need a 1 at this point) with the 4th overall. Baron Davis is not a bad player, just needs to stay focused and be injury free. With Williams, the Cavs will have a decent front court with Hickson and Varejao.

[snively]

Will they trade Beasley if they sign Williams?

That would be interesting.  I think Beasley is probably the closest comp to Williams...except Williams is more interested in trying to defend, and doesn't have the maturity level of a 12 year old. 

I actually wouldn't be surprised if Beasley is part of the reason they are looking to trade the pick though, or why, if they keep it, they may even pass on Williams. 

I see him as more of a Paul Pierce guy, just a little bigger and slower.  The power moves, the spins, those rangy crossovers, the feathery shooting touch. If he stays at the power forward, I see him as a David West type with a bit more speed and shooting range.

[slamtheking]

This is Minnie we're talking about.  Whether it's Mchale or Kahn running the show, they'll mismanage it. 

If Danny's talking to the kid, I wouldn't be surprised to see him pull off a stunner like BBD S&T for that pick 

On a serious note though, Minnie doesn't need another SF with Beasley.  If I was in Minnie's shoes, I'd try consider moving Beasley for a SG --> maybe Memphis for Mayo now that they love TA there.  I'd also put some serious consideration into how likely they are to get Rubio to their club by next season.  If it's unlikely, look to move him for some real solid young pieces to develop with Love and whoever they get this year.

[fugazzi24]

I really like Williams and think he can be a great player in the league for many years to come. 

Would MIN consider an offer of our #25 pick 2011, Clippers Pick for 2012 and S&T BBD for Williams. 

I don't think they do it but I really like the deal of the C's.  The Celtics would then have a great back-up PF this year and a star to groom for the future.

[gotjoker?]

This quote stands out the most to me.  Contradiction? It does matter to you because you're already saying that you'll enter the league as a rookie with the proverbial chip on your shoulder.  That isn't the right attitude to have or to carry with you to the team that selects you.  Things like this one shouldn't take personal.  It wasn't a snub if you didn't go first overall.  Look at the team that selected first and ask yourself: Did they draft best player available or for a need position? Perhaps, Cleveland doesn't view you as being the best available draft prospect.  I don't know...

"It doesn't really matter too much to me," Williams said when asked how much he cares whether he is taken first or second. "Whoever does choose me is making the right choice. Whoever doesn't choose me, I'm just going to try to get back at them and know why they didn't choose me."

In my opinion, if I'm Cleveland, I select Derrick Williams because Antawn Jamison will enter the last year of his contract and you can begin to retool your front court for 2012 with JJ Hickson and Williams at forward and a healthy Anderson Varejao at center.  Conversely, doesn't Cleveland have enough point guard/combo guards to suffice until the 2012 draft? They've Baron Davis, Ramon Sessions and Daniel Gibson.

Isn't Williams supposed to be the more NBA ready player between he and Kyrie Irving.  Not to mention, you own the fourth pick in the draft as well.  So select a point guard with this pick if you don't want to wait...  And I don't knock Williams for having confidence in himself as a player.  Because Cleveland will need to establish a new identity at some point.  Right now, I don't think Cleveland is a marketable franchise not just to Cleveland fans but to national fans.