He’s neither a playmaker nor a big man who can defend the rim, but the Cavs are very much interested in keeping their 10-day signee Derrick Williams to a deal that extends beyond next week. Following a second straight impressive performance by Williams, LeBron James said he hopes the Cavs can keep Williams beyond his short-term deal.
“Well we hope that this is a long-term thing,” said James. “Obviously, we know that he’s on a 10-day contract, but we believe it’s going to be long term. And he’s been in some difficult situations, first of all, and we hope that this is a place that can help him grow and make that next step.”
In his first two games with the Cavs, Williams has put up 12 points on 3-3 shooting against the Oklahoma City Thunder and seven points on 2-3 shooting against the Denver Nuggets. In his 21 minutes per game off the bench, Williams has shown an innate ability to get to the free throw line, shooting 10 free throws in those two games (making eight of them).
“We’re happy to have him,” James said. “It’s not many places you’re going to find a 6-[foot]-8 wing with athleticism like that at 25. So we’re lucky to have him.”
Williams was drafted with the second pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, right after the Cavs drafted Kyrie Irving, by the Minnesota Timberwolves and thrust into a role of bringing the franchise back into playoff contention. His role, however, may best be served as a reserve slasher playing alongside attention-grabbers like James, Kyrie Irving, and Kevin Love. At only 25-years of age, Williams provides an athletic, slashing young guy the Cavs haven’t had since James’ return to Cleveland.
“He’s 25-years old,” said James. “It doesn’t seem like it because we’ve been hearing his name for so long. But he’s 25, he hasn’t even gotten to his potential, to his prime yet. So hopefully this group, this locker room, myself, my leadership, just want to see him grow every day, and it’s a good place for him.”
From the looks of it, Williams has a very solid chance of finishing out his deal and attaining a long-term deal with the Cavs. He’s never been a great shooter, but the Cavs have enough of those as it is. Instead, he’ll provide a backup for who can play both forward positions like LeBron James does does.