King James Gospel
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Cavs Top 6 Free Agent Forward Targets

By Quenton S. Albertie

Feb 25, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Derrick Williams (3) slam dunks as Chicago Bulls forward Cristiano Felicio (6) defends during the first half at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 25, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Derrick Williams (3) slam dunks as Chicago Bulls forward Cristiano Felicio (6) defends during the first half at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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 PF Derrick Williams

2016-17 stats (50 games):

6.1 points, 2.6 rebounds, 0.6 assists per game

44.3 FG%, 30.9 3PT%, 65.2 FT%

What he can bring to the Cleveland Cavaliers:

Youth, athleticism, versatility

Derrick Williams a.k.a “Flight” is a player who is still learning how to “fit in” but he has a skillset that, minus the court vision and passing ability, reminds me a lot of LeBron James’ skillset when he first entered the league.

Williams is very athletic, a capable jump shooter and an able ball-handler who consistently attacks the rim whether it’s in the halfcourt or the open court. He tries to make the right play and the smart pass on offense at all times. When you watch Williams play, you can see the gears turning in his head.

He’s not consistently able to convert his finesse finishes though and would be better served trying to throw down a dunk than attempt a finger roll layup, especially in transition. However, one offseason where he ties himself to James’ hip as much as possible would do wonders for Williams’ game simply because of his similar size, excellent athleticism and his need for direction in both playing style and approach to the game.

Defensively, Williams is an intriguing option for the Cavs because of his ability to defend 1-5. You’re not going to find many players with that combination of size and athletic ability and the Cavs would be remiss if they didn’t sign a player who could solve their issues of how to play well without LeBron when the offensive system is designed to center around a player with James’ skillset.

Williams likely won’t ever be the floor general that James is but learning from James and boosting his basketball IQ could make him a point-forward prospect. Offensively, the Cavs rely on James’ ability to set up his teammates and make plays around the rim using his size, athleticism and ball-handling. If it doesn’t result in the easy two around the rim, foul shots will come next.

As far as jump shooting, Williams will be best served by making himself a consistent threat from three-point range, like James has. He shot 40.4 percent from three-point range in 25 games with the Cavs though, by far most efficient he’s been from outside in any stretch of his six-year career.