10. Derrick Williams
Age: 25
Position: Power Forward/Small Forward
2016/17 Salary: $4,598,000
Contract Expires: 2016/17
2016/17 Stats: 6.8 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 39.2 FG%, 16.2 MPG, 16 GP
Understandably in the eyes of many, Williams has so far been a disappointment in Miami. Shooting a career-low 39.2 percent from the field, Williams has not found a fit in the rotation and has clearly not the earned the faith of the coaching staff. In Williams’ defence, his opportunities have been very limited. He played just three minutes total in the first seven games of the season, and even when starting some games was never given extended playing time.
Although players need to take responsibility for their individual performances, the blame for some of Williams’ lack of production should be on Erik Spoelstra and his staff. There have been at least a couple of prime examples where Williams was shooting well as a starter, only for Spoelstra to bring him out of the game not to return. For a team that has struggled to score all season, some of these examples were glaring. The faith shown in fellow newcomers Dion Waiters, James Johnson and Wayne Ellington has been noticeable. All three have backed this up with continued improvement in their games.
Still just 25 years old and a former number two overall pick, there are definitely teams that’d be willing to give Williams a shot. One such team is the Oklahoma City Thiunder. Led by their dynamic superstar Russell westbrook, Williams’ game would be a good fit in a uptempo system. With their current starting poward forward being a rookie in Domantas Sabonis, Williams could fit a key role there coming off the bench. In return, the Heat could receive a genuine three-point marksman in Anthony Morrow.
Click here to see how this trade could pan out.