Mon 12 Nov 2007
Jazz’ Williams becoming a force
Posted by Sujeet under Main
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For those of you who follow or are fans of the Utah Jazz (or even knowledgeable followers of the NBA), you already know who point guard Deron Williams is.? For those of you who don’t, a little primer on Williams:
- 3rd-year guard from the University of Illinois
- 2005-06: 28.8 MPG, .421 FG%, 10.8 PPG, 4.5 APG; 2006-07: 36.9 MPG, .456 FG%, 16.2 PPG, 9.3 APG
Through seven games this season, the numbers are even better: 38.3 MPG, .519 FG%, .480 3-PT%, 21.0 PPG, 10.4 APG.? Just on the numbers alone, it is apparent that Williams is rising steadily to what one would consider “elite”.? Also consider that at times this season, he has become the #1 scoring option for Utah.? Perhaps the defining moment for Williams thus far is this past Wednesday, when the Jazz played the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Here’s the scenario: Cavaliers forward LeBron James scored a 3-pointer with just 6.8 seconds left on the clock.? On the inbound pass from Jazz forward Carlos Boozer, Williams went the length of the floor and made a layup, getting past the Cavs’ Devin Brown and around Cavs center Zydrunas Ilgauskas.? Never mind that Williams was having a bad night on the court; he had made just 4 of 12 shots and 8 turnovers prior to the winning shot.? That in and of itself should give you an idea of the ascent of Williams’ confidence level.
It would be speculative to say what this all means, but from my observations thus far, I have noticed these things:
- Williams appears to be the “leader” of this Jazz ballclub.
- He has the “Allen Iverson”-brand of confidence, but without the hangups.
- His progression up to this juncture of his career will make him a regular at this year’s and many future All-Star games.
It appears that Utah made an excellent choice in drafting Williams as he has been quite the replacement for past Jazz great John Stockton and, along with Boozer (when he is healthy), will form a dangerous combination that will rival the past Jazz duo of Stockton and Karl Malone.
November 12th, 2007 at 8:23 pm
A Comparison of Deron Williams to Allen Iverson in the department of Confidence?
Not sure about that one Mr. Steve Rhodes… Though I do like you pointing out that D.Williams is an Elite PG…. Needs to improve his defense though, not quite yet a GP type player just yet… Absolutely lit up my Houston Rockets and the GS Warriors last year in the Playoffs.
I Liken Deron to a Billups type player in terms of strength/size for a 1-guard, in that can post up and overpower others guarding him at the 1 (It can also be said that he has that “Gary Payton” type of aspect to his reportie/game, thats making me draw comparisons to him too, with the similiarities I’ve seen in each game after watching him play), ballhandling for the typical PG to break down a defense, shooting ability to pop it from anywhere and pull up on a dime, and decision making with all those dishes he’s handing out. Difference here is that D.Williams is in control of the offense more than Billups in Detroit and he has better feel and overall approach in driving to the hoop and drawing the crowd/attention to dish it off to Boozer, and to finish strong with his quick 1st step and his inside capabilities - likened to a stronger Parker, but not quicker, when he’s in attack mode going forcefully to the bucket.
NBADraft.NET compared him to Andre Miller coming outta the Fighting Illini’s Program ~ a great Draft Site for True NBA Hoop Fans - CHECK It out - a DEFINITE Must-SEE/VISIT for any NBA Fan who wants to see the next Future Star Player in the upcoming years to come…
Who’s better PAUL or Williams???