Sometimes I wonder if I’m watching the same game as everyone else.
How can anyone say that Jason Williams does not create pace and easy baskets for this team? When he is even close to healthy, which I’d say he has been for maybe half his tenure here so far, he makes a HUGE difference in the way this team plays. He runs the break flawlessly, he’s the only other player on the team besides Dwyane the last two years that can run the pick and roll, he has a connection with Dwyane in the halfcourt that has resulted in so many quick ally-oops that I’m not sure many other point guards can see and he is capable of some explosive scoring stretches (though he rarely attempts those bursts when Dwyane and Shaq are both playing).
Now, I understand he hasn’t been healthy and that’s a concern. But from what I’ve heard, J-Will has looked good this summer, during which he has been able to get his knee completely healthy. Add that to the incentive of being in a contract year, and I think you can expect, easily, the best season from J-Will since he has been here.
For those who still think that a quality small forward means
more to this team, consider the numbers that the starting SF has put up
compared to the starting PG in the three years that Shaq and Dwyane have been
together.
2006-07
SF: Jason Kapono – 10.9 points, 1.2 assists, 1.04 turnovers
PG: Jason Williams – 10.9 points, 5.3 assists, 1.64
turnovers
2005-06
SF: James Posey – 7.2 points, 1.3 assists, .87 turnovers
PG: Jason Williams – 12.3 points, 4.9 assists, 1.69
turnovers
2004-05
SF: Eddie Jones – 12.7 points, 2.7 assists, 1.24 turnovers
PG: Damon Jones – 11.6 points, 4.3 assists, 1.2 turnovers
It looks pretty clear to me that the way this system is set up, unless the starting small forward is something of a natural point forward, then the point guard means more to the team. I mean, Damon Jones basically had a better season than Eddie Jones in 04-05, and Damon’s clearly not the quality of player that Eddie is (also, Jason Williams’ assist numbers are pretty impressive considering Dwyane is most often in position to set up his teammates). And if you want Dwyane to play more point guard, then you’re taking him away from his natural position, and the one he prefers to play. He’ll have more scoring opportunities at the two-guard spot, and that’s what you want him to do primarily is score.
I guess that’s a long-winded way of saying that you shouldn’t underestimate J-Will’s value to this team, and trading him for a small forward right now might not be the best idea. Plus, if the Heat gets another small forward, then we’re all going to spend another whole season complaining about Dorell Wright not getting enough playing time.
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