Marcus Williams: Addition by Subtraction
By: Dan Barto Director of Post-Graduate Program IMG Basketball Academy
Marcus Williams has a chance that many NBA players never get. The dime dropping, “husky “ point guard who became a household name during his years at Connecticut is starting over in Golden State but it is actually going to be more like “Back to the Future.”
In the spring of 2005, Marcus was part of the pre-draft training group that included Shawnee Williams, Louis Amundson, Thomas Gardner, and DJ Strawberry(declared and then went back for his senior year. Considered a potential lottery pick and the best pure passer in the draft, we all had to sit by as he slid to the late first round. His issues in the past and the same questions that haunt him today were cited but so far no one can say that they missed on him.
The reason I am calling it back to the future is simple. Don Nelson is going to bring back so many memories of Jim Calhoun that Marcus will be having flashbacks. Most would say the screaming and yelling, but I am referring to the off-the-wall antics and sarcasm. Being a very laid back, creative, and sarcastic type of personality, Marcus will feel at home in the less structured, do what you do, Golden State system. He is West Coast at heart and his creative passing style and handle will allow him to gain confidence quickly. The conversations of dribbling angles and timing will be replaced with jokes and jabs about his weak right-handed finishing ability. The fondness for and personalities of Al Harrington, Stephen Jackson, Monta Ellis, and being back on the west coast should lead to a relaxed and empowered player.
The subtraction of Monta leads to Marcus’ number one priority of reaching a certain level of fitness. Well, if you have to play in the Golden State offense in practice everyday chances are you will burn a lot of calories. The genuinely playful locker room jokes will probably lead to a more willing participant in extra conditioning. The improved performances and regained drive should keep the consistency over the season. Oh, and I haven’t yet mentioned the contract thing.
I am not going to go out on the limb and predict the most improved player of the year but I will predict a hell of a fantasy pick. Yes, we are in a world where players should be professional and thrive in any environment but the reality is young players tend to be creatures of habit. This freak of a passer and point guard has now found the environment where he will flourish.
Best of luck Marcus.
