Minnesota Timberwolves forward Derrick Williams eyeing a summer of improvements – NBA Update
Derrick Williams the prized forward of Minnesota Timberwolves was one of the most desired players in the 2011 NBA draft. He was the 2nd overall pick and although season didn’t end up happily
for the Wolves, Williams’ progress was noteworthy.
He played in 66 games and averaged 8.8 points to go with 4.7 boards in this season and the young forward has already started to think about the next season.
This shortened season took its toll on Williams. He played for 15 minutes in the last match against Denver Nuggets, collecting 4 points and 3 boards. He was fatigued after the game as the shortened season didn’t
give him any breaks.
The labour dispute deprived rookies like Williams to participate in rookie transition camps and elongated training camps. As a result the rookies couldn’t get enough time to polish their skills and that pretty
much showed in the season.
Williams however considers the 1st summer of his professional career as an opportunity where he can improve and acquire new set of skills.
“I think a lot of people have the confidence in me to get a lot better,” Williams said. “My potential is I could be a pretty good player. This offseason is pretty big for me.”
Williams mostly started off the bench in the season but showed some shades of brilliance, the best being a 28 point performance against Los Angeles Clippers on February 28th. He started to play as
small forward along with Kevin but then was reassigned as backup power forward. It was difficult for him to adjust on different positions in an entirely new system.
The transition reflected upon his performance. He was allowed less time on the court and the primary reason for that was that Rick Adelman was not contended with his defensive skills. Williams failed to create
the impact rookies like Kyrie Irving, Isaiah Thomas and Klay Thompson managed this season. Part of it had to do with the depth that the Wolves have in their front court that meant less minutes, but Williams didn’t do himself any favours by being inconsistent;
“He’s had his moments but I think the biggest thing is we’d like to see him be much more consistent,” Adelman said of Williams. “He’s like a lot of rookies, he just has to improve there. Not having the summer
to see him when the season started probably had something to do with it. This summer is going to be a big one for him.”
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