Miami Heat Shooting Guard Preview: In This Corner, Reggie Williams

Analyzing Last Year’s Performance

Reggie Williams didn’t do much at all last season, appearing in just three games in all of 2013-14 for the Oklahoma City Thunder. In those three games, Williams played 17 minutes, hit five of nine field goals (one of three from three-point range) for 11 points, had an assist, a steal and two turnovers.

That’s not much of a sample size, but throughout his career Williams has been a solid three-point shooter. He’s shot 37.1 percent from beyond the arc for his career and 43.8 percent from the much-fancied for corners.

Despite not signing a second 10-day contract with the Thunder, Williams played well in the NBA D-League for the Tulsa 66ers. He played in 25 games and averaged 20 points while shooting 35.5 percent from three, 4.9 assists and 5.7 rebounds in 38 minutes per game.

His shot chart, via NylonCalculus.com, reflects somewhat o a volume shooter.

Courtesy of NylonCalculus.com

Unfortunately for Williams, he won’t have an opportunity to take nearly as many shots with the Heat, and will have to find his sweet spots.

How LeBron’s Departure Impacts His Role

LeBron’s gravity opened up shooting space for everyone on the Heat. The entire team–returning and new–will feel the pressure to create open looks with smart and efficient ball movement.

Miami is in desperate need of some three-point shooters, and Williams was signed early in the offseason to compete for a job to be one of Miami’s most reliable.

You know what’s crazy slash slightly depressing? In two seasons, the Heat went from Ray Allen, Mike Miller and a red-hot Shane Battier to Reggie Williams, oft-injured Danny Granger and hoping Mario Chalmers gets his ish together. Moving on.

Projections for this Season

As I said before, Williams has a good opportunity to make the team if only because the Heat are in need of a three-point shooter. He will compete for playing time with Shannon Brown, James Ennis and Granger behind Dwyane Wade. However, he could be used at either the 2 or 3 spot.

Williams figures to be a hot-hand candidate that Erik Spoelstra can call upon from his bullpen. Granger will be the prime three-point shooting swingman, so Williams will get time spelling him or if he’s hot and Granger is not (or injured).

“Why I’m Excited”

Check out this YouTube video of Williams scoring 31 points in a D-League game last season.

As you can see, Williams has a smooth stroke. His shooting form and release could help him develop into a Danny Green-type contributor for the Heat. Remember, Green bounced around the NBA before finally landing and blossoming with the Spurs. Here’s hoping Williams can do the same in Miami.