Kings active in trade talks?
- Thread starter The_Jamal
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I'll wait and see what the final deal is, but I do Like what Mbah a Moute has brought to the table. His knee's are a concern though. I wouldn't call MAM old at 27 years of age, but Williams is 22 years old, and if the Kings are looking at being a contender in a couple of years, and see something in Williams, then I can understand the trade. Obviously, they're not in a win now mindset.
I liked Williams game in college, but I thought he wouldn't have a problem playing SF. His game hasn't translated so far, and he's shooting terribly since he got to the NBA (which was a strength in college). Still, he's young and athletic. Honestly, I think the problem with Williams is what's between his ears.
I don't feel that strongly either way. I like LMAM because he plays defense and stays out of the way on offense, but it's hardly going to be the demise of the franchise if he goes, especially with suspect knees. Williams is a tweener though. Guess the thinking is that if you can develop Williams into a player then you'll have another young talent next to Cuz/Ben/IT when we're becoming good again.
I don't feel that strongly either way. I like LMAM because he plays defense and stays out of the way on offense, but it's hardly going to be the demise of the franchise if he goes, especially with suspect knees. Williams is a tweener though. Guess the thinking is that if you can develop Williams into a player then you'll have another young talent next to Cuz/Ben/IT when we're becoming good again.
There's really no way for me to know, but I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. I knew nothing about Derrick Williams before his Sophmore season and over the course of that one season he became my favorite player in college basketball. He has the talent to be a great SF on both sides of the court. I'm not really sure why he hasn't put it together yet, I think limited minutes and a short leash are the main reasons, but I haven't watched Minnesota enough to really have an educated opinion.
I will say this though, he's the same size and weight as Jabari Parker and probably a better athlete so it's not like he's a tweener. He's unbelievably skilled at finishing near the basket with both hands, a solid knockdown shooter with his feet set, and he competes on defense when he's motivated -- particularly at the end of the fourth quarter where his instincts on that end are very good I think. Weaknesses would be that he isn't a great ballhandler/shotcreator at this point in his career and doesn't focus enough on the defensive end throughout the game. That's where the coaching staff earns their paychecks.
I will say this though, he's the same size and weight as Jabari Parker and probably a better athlete so it's not like he's a tweener. He's unbelievably skilled at finishing near the basket with both hands, a solid knockdown shooter with his feet set, and he competes on defense when he's motivated -- particularly at the end of the fourth quarter where his instincts on that end are very good I think. Weaknesses would be that he isn't a great ballhandler/shotcreator at this point in his career and doesn't focus enough on the defensive end throughout the game. That's where the coaching staff earns their paychecks.
My big concern is that culture change starting to occur and I felt LMAM playing more had a lot to do with that. That rally against Portland where LMAM came in with Cousins, Jimmer, and some others felt like the start of some change in the culture. As Mbah a Moute played more, the Kings started to shift towards the intended "culture" goal. All the team's best lineups this season have included LMAM.
Strong, long, athletic, great jumpshot, (hit 56% from three his sophomore year before entering the draft), basically really tore it up in college. Had "star" written all over him. I hesitate to say it, but you know who he kind of looked like as a sophomore at Arizona? Jabari Parker. Similar size, athletic, inside-outside game with rebounding and hustle, best player on the floor every game he played. I don't know why it hasn't clicked with him in the NBA. Obviously it may never click. Seems like a reasonable gamble to me, though. Luc is a great complementary player...for a playoff team. He doesn't do us a lot of good. Williams could (I emphasize "could", with no estimate of the probability) go full Gerald Wallace on us and blossom once he leaves the Rick Adelman system, which doesn't have a great track record of being kind to young players.
Second time there's been a Parker reference. Only similarity is size/athleticism (though I think Parker is a little more athletic - and yes, I know that Williams is athletic). Parker is better in every single aspect of the game, and as I said, I think Williams brain is what's holding him back. Parker doesn't have that problem.
That said, I agree with your post in a general sense.
That said, I agree with your post in a general sense.
How many times have I said the off season acquisitions and non-aquisiti9on were meant to create a losing team? This guy seems like a reasonable risk from what I read. Our starters are not strong and I hope he helps change that. There will be an adjustment period and he may need a brain transplant but we will continue our move towards the top of next year's draft. This year is flushed down the drain in preparation for having a team in a few years and I am on board with everything that is happening.
College freshmen as skilled as Jabari Parker come along maybe once every 10 years. Williams isn't like Parker in that way, but he does have the right skill-set for a SF and when I've watched him play he was very cognizant of making the best of the skills he does have rather than trying to force the ones he doesn't. He did have that same swagger in college too. Mostly I find it funny that they have almost identical measurements and played the same position in college and yet the same people saying Williams can only play PF wouldn't hesitate for a second to install Parker as our new SF.
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i love this trade. Derrick Williams was a legit #2 pick in 2011. If he can channel his former star self this will be a total win for us… Luc was a great addition but clearly his knee was a mess. and honestly wasn't gonna help this team win more than a few games.
Williams is a solid SF… i dunno why everyone is assuming he can't play that position.
Williams is a solid SF… i dunno why everyone is assuming he can't play that position.
Kings fans have always been known for their willingness to give players a chance before they assume the worst. Bringing Williams here could be the best thing to ever happen to him. It wouldn't be the first time someone came here and thrived... It's kinda what we do. 
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Thanks for posting. Be nice to see somebody like that light it up in the old barn.
Strengths
-Outside Shooting:For his height,Derrick Williamsmight be one of the best shooters at his position, shooting 56.8% from the three point line on 74 attempts. He is also top six nationally in the two advanced shooting metrics, posting an eFG% of 65.0% (6th nationally) and a TS% of 69.0% (4th nationally). In terms of his form, Williams has a very smooth stroke that is easy to repeat, no matter if he is catching and shooting or taking a shot off of the dribble. He takes off and lands in the same area, and his footwork is very good.
From DraftExpress.comhttp://www.draftexpress.com#ixzz2liO6vHoa
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