Grading the Miami Heat a quarter through the season

Derrick Williams

Season numbers: 6.3 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 0.3 APG, 38.7 FG%, 18.5 3P%, 15.5 MPG, 12 GP

Williams’ season has been completely up and down thus far, both in opportunity and production. Over the first seven games of the season, Williams played a grand total of three minutes. He then enjoyed nine consecutive starts, followed by another three non-appearances despite the growing injury list. Granted, Williams has overall shot poorly from the field and has not always seemed to be in the right spots on the floor during various offensive sets.

But there have been some performances where he has shown great promise and performed particularly well. However, these performance were met with strict eight-to-nine minute stints on the floor, regardless of how well he was performing. With a team struggling mightily on the offensive end all season, the use of Williams on some occasions has been mind-boggling.

Williams’ desire to make the most of his career was evidenced when he entered the game against the New York Knicks, where he played last season. Knicks announcer Walt Frazier immediately stated when he entered the game, “wow, he’s lost some weight”. Not that it was a huge problem for Williams, but more a testament to the culture of the Heat.

With a three-game road trip coming up minus five key rotation players, this would be as good a time as any to try and utilise Williams’ talents.

Grade: D