On February 9th, back in the 2016-2017 NBA season, the Cleveland Cavaliers signed forward Derrick Williams to a 10-day contract. His performance that night as well as during his second 10-day contract earned him a spot on the team for the remainder of the season.
In 25 games with Cleveland, Williams averaged 6.2 points and 2.3 rebounds, while shooting 51 percent from the field and 40 percent from 3-point range, all in 17 minutes per game – solid numbers considering his role. However, his playing time greatly diminished during the playoffs and all but completely disappeared during the NBA Finals as head coach Tyronn Lue consolidated his rotation.
The Cavs decided not to re-sign Williams when the free agency period began, instead opting to sign wing players Cedi Osman and Jeff Green to fill Williams’ role. When the Cavs signed Derrick Rose to fill the backup point guard role, the 15th and final roster slot was filled.
However, there may still be a spot for Williams on the Cavs as Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com reports that the team is still interested in bringing Williams back for the 2017-2018 season.
“Williams is a free agent and is generating very little buzz on the open market. Cleveland could bring him back for $2.4 million. A source said the team remains interested in bringing Williams back.”
Williams plays a similar role to Richard Jefferson, Osman, and Green, but would add versatility and depth as his athletic ability and size allow him to guard opposing power forwards as well as wings.
Although his minutes dwindled late last season, more time to acclimate to the gameplan could ensure that he would play more than someone like third (or fourth) string point guard Jose Calderon. Bringing back Williams would be a wise move for Cleveland, and would improve their overall depth, something that is vital to winning in June.