OKC Thunder 30 for 30, part 12 – Evaluating shooting guard Lou Williams
Defense
Lou-Will’s physical tools have always been an issue on the defensive end. His 6’2 and slight 175 pound frame make him an easy target against bigger guards. While he is quick enough to stay in front of players, Lou doesn’t possess the necessary strength when players drive into him.
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In nine of his 13 seasons as a pro, Williams has been a net negative in individual defense. Last season, he managed a plus-0.5 in defensive rating, a surprise given the Clippers ranked 19th in defensive efficiency (107.7). He also contributed 1.2 defensive win shares, the most since his 2007-08 season with Philadelphia.
Expecting Williams to morph into a solid one on one defender is a big ask entering year 14. However, he has shown to be an average team defender when put into the right system surrounded by defensive minded players.
Passing
The 31 year-old is a pure scorer, looking to shoot the rock or drive to rim instead of creating for others. While he did post a career high in assists (5.2), it was accompanied by three turnovers per game. Additionally, his uptick in minutes (32.8) and usage rate (30 percent) undoubtedly contributed to his career best numbers as did the absence of a legitimate ball handler for much of the Clippers 2017-18 season.
With Williams commanding so much attention with the ball, the veteran has the potential to further increase his assist numbers. However after so long in the league, its difficult to envision he will alter his game. Williams frequently exhibits tunnel vision, even if there are better shots available for other players on the team.