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Finestrg wrote:Get the feeling Shved's as good as gone. Good scenario to finish off the roster -- Elliot Williams and O. Galdikas for the last 2 spots -- then we keep tabs on N'Dour and Thanasis as they go overseas and consider them for spots on next year's team. Is it true that we retain Thanasis' rights if/when he decides to go play abroad somewhere for next season?

Looking back at his time in the D-League, Williams made it sound as though the opportunity to strut his stuff in the minors was time well spent.

"Oh, I've definitely improved a lot of things. Especially being 6'5, taking care of things at the point guard position is something [that improved]," he continued to add. "That's my bottom line; being a good point guard, but also being able to score a lot. I was injured often earlier in my career, so this has given me a good opportunity to redefine my game. It's been good for me."

"I'm a natural two. I'm a natural scorer. This was more about being able to embrace serving as more of a combo-guard," Williams explained. "I'm able to defend smaller guards because of my quickness. I can guard point guards, so that's how I can be a combo."

While he looked to improve upon other facets of his overall game, there's no denying that the Warriors enjoyed employing him for his services, and often utilized his biggest strengths. After all, he was recognized as a central figure in the team's offense night in and night out.

"The coaching staff has had faith in me, but this is a great team. It feels good. We have great leaders, great young guys, and a great bench," the 25 year old said modestly. "When everything is running well, it's easy to just go out and play your game. It's been good for me."

Nevertheless, even for an individual like Williams, who received multiple NBA call-ups just this past season alone, winning at the D-League level still matters.

"It means a lot. It's good for the fans and the city, because they're the ones that always come out and support us. But I don't care what level it is. You want to win," he asserted. "Anytime you have a chance to win a championship, you go for it. This season has been a grind, but [it's nice to win] a championship."

Elliot Williams worked out for the Knicks in Las Vegas on Sunday (Marc J. Spears, July 12).

Keith Schlosser, Lead Writer

On the surface, Williams is a 26-year-old who has bounced around since the Blazers drafted him in the first round in 2010.
He hasn’t been able to stick thus far, but Williams is arguably coming off his most productive season as a professional basketball player. On one hand, he was signed to three different 10-day contracts, playing parts of last season with both the Pelicans and Jazz.

All the while attempting to catch on with a team for the long haul, not only did Williams rise up as an NBA D-League champion, but he went even further by leading the way for the Santa Cruz Warriors. He was named Most Valuable Player of The Finals.

A combo-guard of sorts, he averaged 21.3 points and 7.4 assists last season. He’s aggressive around the basket and certainly isn’t afraid to absorb contact. His natural instincts suggest he employs a scorer’s-first mentality, but the double-teams he draws when driving into the lane allow him to space the floor a bit and dish the ball out to teammates around the perimeter. He plays at a very high-paced tempo.
“I’ve definitely improved a lot of things. Especially being 6-foot-5, taking care of things at the point guard position is something [that improved],” Williams told SB Nation’s RidiculousUpside.com during The Finals back in April .“That’s my bottom line; being a good point guard, but also being able to score a lot.”

The Knicks have, ironically enough, often craved defensive intensity in their lineup when looking to put the finishing touches on the roster from year to year. But after signing the likes of Robin Lopez and Kyle O’Quinn, it would appear as though they have the tools for a potentially formidable front-line. Instead, the more pressing need surrounds who may emerge to support Carmelo Anthony and Arron Afflalo on offense.

Williams has the ability to provide a similarly needed offensive spark off the bench.

“I’m a natural two. I’m a natural scorer. This was more about being able to embrace serving as more of a combo-guard,” Williams said. “I’m able to defend smaller guards because of my quickness. I can guard point guards, so that’s how I can be a combo.”

Finestrg wrote:Was just gonna post this. So what do we think? I like it--the kid's talented. He can score and he's a real good passer as well. I guess they're real adamant about grabbing a versatile guard for minimum money and don't see Shved as an option beyond his vet minimum. Daniel Hackett I don't know anything about really but I like Elliot Williams a lot. Always have. Main thing is I think he's healthy now -- a couple of call ups that didn't amount to much but he played very well last year in the DL with extended PT. We definitely need an extra guard--I actually like how they're looking for someone like Shved, someone who has legit versatility to play both spots. I wouldn't be too upset if that guy turned out to be EW.

nixluva wrote:Some video

I'll be happy with Williams though, he sounds like a nice scorer and he dish the ball. His defense is most certainly better than Shveds as well, but I really liked Shved - smart cat.

meloanyk wrote:Dont see them being exclusive, Shved can take room excep , Williams if liked could get min. Some will say that would create a logjam of guards but Ledo can shift to SF or play in NBDL and it might expedite Calderon move. Im not sold on Galloway being anything more than a glorified bench player. Grant will play but he will have his ups and downs as most rook do regardless of his age