A reader, Blake, writes:
The only players last season to assist on 20% or more of teammate field goals (AST% > 20) and grab 10% of the rebounds on the floor (TRR > 10%) were LeBron James and Terrence Williams, the rookie. This is misleading, though, as LeBron assisted on nearly twice as many field goals as Williams. Their rebounding was about equal. It is important to note that Williams did this as a rookie. His rookie rebounding numbers top LeBron’s rookie numbers, and their rookie assist numbers are far more similar.
36.8% of his field goal attempts last year were at the rim. For comparison, LeBron shot 33.6% of his shots at the rim. Williams is not the greatest shooter, however, with an eFG% of .425 for his career. His free throw shooting is not great at 70%, so I wonder if his shot selection or his shooting ability is to blame for these numbers. Chuck Hayes is topping Williams in both measures this year, by the way
I’m not saying that Williams has the potential to be the next LeBron. What he does have is a rare combination of offensive lane presence, rebounding, and passing ability. His shooting is bad. His turnovers are bad. And he doesn’t draw enough fouls.
We will have to wait to see how he develops. If he works on his shooting, his shot selection, and his turnovers, Williams has the potential to be a unique player.
