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2017 Orlando Magic Free Agency Preview: The Power Forwards

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Dec 23, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns forward P.J. Tucker (17) celebrates a three pointer against the Philadelphia 76ers at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns defeated the 76ers 123-116. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 23, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns forward P.J. Tucker (17) celebrates a three pointer against the Philadelphia 76ers at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns defeated the 76ers 123-116. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Derrick Williams, Cleveland Cavaliers
Mar 4, 2017; Miami, FL, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Derrick Williams (3) takes a breather during the first half against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

Derrick Williams, Cleveland Cavaliers

Per Game Table
Season Age Tm G MP FG% 3P% eFG% FT% TRB TOV PTS
2016-17 25 TOT 50 16.1 .443 .309 .504 .652 2.6 0.6 6.1
2016-17 25 MIA 25 15.1 .394 .200 .427 .620 2.9 0.6 5.9
2016-17 25 CLE 25 17.1 .505 .404 .603 .692 2.3 0.6 6.2
Career 426 20.8 .434 .300 .475 .710 4.0 0.9 8.9

Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 6/28/2017.

It is hard to believe Derrick Williams was once the second overall pick in the Draft just six years ago. For the Arizona Wildcats, he was seen as the perfect mix of athletic 4. A great fit for the way the NBA was going. Never mind he was a struggling 3-point shooter, Williams would be able to attack inside the paint and dominate the glass.

That has not turned out to be the case. And Williams has bounced around the league without finding much of a footing. Last year, he signed with the Miami Heat and struggled mightily. It looked like he was on his way out of the league.

Then, a bit of a renaissance in Cleveland. Playing with the Cleveland Cavaliers, and next to LeBron James, will make anyone look good. But Williams looked like he would be more of a contributor. He became a key player for the Cavaliers off the bench, providing some versatility defensively and some 3-point shooting.

Would he do that if he leaves Cleveland? That is the question.

A question a team like the Magic probably should not answer. But a team like the Magic will end up trying to answer as often happens in the NBA. Someone will give Williams yet another chance on a short-term deal.

Williams should come cheap. He is hanging by a thread in the NBA. But he showed enough in his short time with the Cavaliers to get another shot somewhere.