With that in mind, Adelman said Chase Budinger would replace Battier in the starting lineup at forward and indicated guard/forward Terrence Williams would move into the rotation.
This is shocking and extremely exciting, in my opinion. Based on the past–Williams riding the pine under the pretense of ‘chemistry’ when both Battier/Budinger were struggling–I honestly did not see Adelman giving him a chance. It seemed there was some ulterior rationale for not giving him a chance. Perhaps there was, but in any event, he will now get his chance.
It’s exciting. He’s the one guy on this team, other than Martin, with true All-Star potential. From what I’ve watched of him, when he has the ball in his hands, he is capable of being the McGrady of 2008. And the McGrady of 2008, despite awful shooting, seriously impacted winning.
I think you give Williams all the minutes he can handle and see what you have. It’s becoming clear that this team won’t be acquiring star players through free agency or the draft; they have to trade for low-stock youth and develop it. Williams is candidate number one in that process.
