48MOH: A Conversation with Marcus Williams

[Mel_13]

A Conversation with Marcus Williams

Marcus Williams comes into the season as the forgotten Spur. The Spurs signed him from the Austin Toros on April 8. Marcus Williams was the D-League’s best player at that point. His numbers in March were good, averaging 25 points, 7 boards and 6 assists a game. But April was something else entirely: 27.5, 10.5, 11.5. After spending the better part of two years with the Austin Toros, Marcus Williams was looking like an NBA player. And strangely enough, the former Arizona small forward was doing his best work as the Toros’ point guard.

That’s where I began a recent conversation with Marcus...

http://www.48minutesofhell.com/2009/09/09/a-conversation-with-marcus-williams/#more-4322

[phyzik]

thanks for the link :tu

[ChumpDumper]

Great interview.

[ceperez]

I'm impressed at what he had to say about the passing game and the pick and roll.

If Marcus E. Williams delivers, then we would have a reliable PG. I still am a bit suspicious about Hill running the point. I don't think he's got enough exposure to the system.

This is going to be a problem though, who is going to be in street clothes?

Parker - Williams - Hill
Mason - Ginobli - (Hairston)
Jefferson - Haislip - Finley
McDyess - (Blair) - Bonner
Duncan - Mahinmi - (Ratliff)

Those in parenthesis are my guesses.

[ChumpDumper]

No way Blair is going to be in street clothes. He's already an NBA quality rebounder.

Haislip will probably be on the IR before Blair.

[wildbill2u]

:toast It was indeed a good interview with a guy that has been dismissed by most everyone it seems but the Spurs.

What if he can make it as the third point, third SF and third SG. He'd be a damn valuable role player.

[Bruno]

Damn nice interview.
Marcus Williams rules.

4 Spurs' second round picks (Williams, Hairston, Gist and McClinton) will fight for roster spot(s) during the training camp. It should be fun.

[ceperez]

Damn nice interview.
Marcus Williams rules.

4 Spurs' second round picks (Williams, Hairston, Gist and McClinton) will fight for roster spot(s) during the training camp. It should be fun.

Williams already has a guaranteed contract. I think he's a keeper.

Hairston probably is heading back to the D-league.

Gist is still too raw (besides, we have Hairston who is more athletic and more skilled).

McClinton is too small and too slow.

[MaNu4Tres]

Damn nice interview.
Marcus Williams rules.

4 Spurs' second round picks (Williams, Hairston, Gist and McClinton) will fight for roster spot(s) during the training camp. It should be fun.

It should be an easy choice for the Spurs. Considering how much time the Spurs have invested in Williams and Hairston. Gist and McClinton were not impressive in summer league. ( Then again George Hill wasn't either in SL 08').

All in all I'm willing to bet McClinton goes to Austin. Williams and Hairston make the team. And Gists either goes back to Europe or joins McClinton in Austin.

[TD 21]

I'm impressed at what he had to say about the passing game and the pick and roll.

If Marcus E. Williams delivers, then we would have a reliable PG. I still am a bit suspicious about Hill running the point. I don't think he's got enough exposure to the system.

This is going to be a problem though, who is going to be in street clothes?

Parker - Williams - Hill
Mason - Ginobli - (Hairston)
Jefferson - Haislip - Finley
McDyess - (Blair) - Bonner
Duncan - Mahinmi - (Ratliff)

Those in parenthesis are my guesses.

Ratliff, Haislip, and Mahinmi, will probably flip flop throughout the year. The rest of the rotation is probably mostly set.

Starters: PF- Duncan, SF- Jefferson, C- McDyess, SG- Mason, PG- Parker

Bench: SG- Ginobili, PF- Blair, PG/SG- Hill, PF- Bonner, SF/SG- Finley, C- Ratliff, PF- Haislip

Inactive/D-League: C/PF- Mahinmi, SF/SG- Williams, SG/SF- Hairston

[DPG21920]

Marcus Williams does not have a guaranteed contract, Ceperez.

I am very interested to see what Williams can bring. I have never been that high on him, especially as a PG, but the FO seems to really like him as of late.

I never watched him a lot, but the limited times I saw him earlier compared to recent, he seems to have improved a lot.

[manu_maniac]

That was a great interview. I was surprised about how well spoken Williams is. I hope he can improve his defense well enough to get some honest minutes from Pop.

[ceperez]

Marcus Williams does not have a guaranteed contract, Ceperez.


Just checked http://www.shamsports.com/content/pages/data/salaries/spurs.jsp

Yes, you're right unguaranteed just like Malik.

[Bruno]

It should be an easy choice for the Spurs. Considering how much time the Spurs have invested in Williams and Hairston. Gist and McClinton were not impressive in summer league. ( Then again George Hill wasn't either in SL 08').

All in all I'm willing to bet McClinton goes to Austin. Williams and Hairston make the team. And Gists either goes back to Europe or joins McClinton in Austin.

I don't think it isn't that easy.

Williams isn't eligible to play in D-League and Hairston has likely learned enough there. The next development step would be to give them some NBA playing time. Giving both playing time to Hairston and Williams with Spurs will be damn hard.

Hairston and Williams are quite expensive with the luxury tax. Keeping Hairston will cost them $1.46M and keeping Williams will cost $1.65M. OTOH, Gist or McClinton will cost $915K.

I can definitively see Spurs only keeping the better between Hairston and Williams. For the 15th spot, I don't see Gist getting him so it could be McClinton (assigned to Toros) or Spurs only having a 14 players roster.

[EricB]

What little I saw of Williams after he rejoined the Spurs, he still hadn't impressed me.

I'd rather keep Hairston still and cut loose williams if they need to cut the 'roll down.

[MaNu4Tres]

I don't think it isn't that easy.

Williams isn't eligible to play in D-League and Hairston has likely learned enough there. The next development step would be to give them some NBA playing time. Giving both playing time to Hairston and Williams with Spurs will be damn hard.

Hairston and Williams are quite expensive with the luxury tax. Keeping Hairston will cost them $1.46M and keeping Williams will cost $1.65M. OTOH, Gist or McClinton will cost $915K.

I can definitively see Spurs only keeping the better between Hairston and Williams. For the 15th spot, I don't see Gist getting him so it could be McClinton (assigned to Toros) or Spurs only having a 14 players roster.

True if expenses are a major factor and Holt has the final say then yes you are right.

[tomtom]

Could be pretty valuable if he really can play the point

[angelbelow]

That was actually a pretty good read. Best of luck to Marcus and I hope he shows up ready.

[Spurs Brazil]

Great read.
Training camp will have great competition this year

[tav1]

I don't think it isn't that easy.

Williams isn't eligible to play in D-League and Hairston has likely learned enough there. The next development step would be to give them some NBA playing time. Giving both playing time to Hairston and Williams with Spurs will be damn hard.

Hairston and Williams are quite expensive with the luxury tax. Keeping Hairston will cost them $1.46M and keeping Williams will cost $1.65M. OTOH, Gist or McClinton will cost $915K.

I can definitively see Spurs only keeping the better between Hairston and Williams. For the 15th spot, I don't see Gist getting him so it could be McClinton (assigned to Toros) or Spurs only having a 14 players roster.

I don't know. I think Williams and Hairston both make the team, and Hairston spends the year in Austin.

The only way that Gist and/or McClinton make it is if the Spurs make a trade in a 1 for nothing or 2 for 1. Otherwise, they'll both attend camp, get cut, and receive an offer to play for the Toros.

[MoSpur]

Thanks for sharing. I'm impressed with Marcus' responses to the questions

[Blackjack]

Great piece.:tu


I don't know. I think Williams and Hairston both make the team, and Hairston spends the year in Austin.

The only way that Gist and/or McClinton make it is if the Spurs make a trade in a 1 for nothing or 2 for 1. Otherwise, they'll both attend camp, get cut, and receive an offer to play for the Toros.

Agree.

I really think the drafting of Hill was an absolute godsend for Marcus. Hill is just too good a prospect and clearly not a point, at least not yet, that the prospect of a legit 6' 7'' point-forward who they could cross-match defensively, while allowing George to play within a comfort zone offensively, would be absolutely ideal.

Marcus' rebounding, potential as a team defender, knack for playing passing lanes -- with his Blair-like wingspan -- and his potential to play a point-forward have always intrigued me. So, I'm hoping the guy can come through and actually contribute to the program; hopefully sooner rather than later.

As for Hairston, just about everything he brings to the table is something the Spurs need or at least could use. Outside of Jefferson, who's not really a `stopper', there's no one else on the team to potentially help out on the wing defensively. Malik's shown enough flashes and spent enough time in the system, gaining that all important `corporate knowledge', that he just makes too much sense basketball-wise and financially.

How many other players are out there that possess the ability, knowledge and minimal contract of a Hairston?

Admittedly, I find myself making the case for Malik more than I feel sure about the Spurs' plans for him. I've just been a fan of his for too long and have a hard time being totally objective.

But the logic is definitely there; as is the mental make-up/character and talent of Malik.

That I am sure of.

[Chieflion]

If Marcus Williams proves his worth and versatility in the NBA, being able to play 3 positions, he would be a good player and get minutes from everyone.

[ceperez]

Great piece.:tu



Agree.

I really think the drafting of Hill was an absolute godsend for Marcus. Hill is just too good a prospect and clearly not a point, at least not yet, that the prospect of a legit 6' 7'' point-forward who they could cross-match defensively, while allowing George to play within a comfort zone offensively, would be absolutely ideal.

Marcus' rebounding, potential as a team defender, knack for playing passing lanes -- with his Blair-like wingspan -- and his potential to play a point-forward have always intrigued me. So, I'm hoping the guy can come through and actually contribute to the program; hopefully sooner rather than later.

As for Hairston, just about everything he brings to the table is something the Spurs need or at least could use. Outside of Jefferson, who's not really a `stopper', there's no one else on the team to potentially help out on the wing defensively. Malik's shown enough flashes and spent enough time in the system, gaining that all important `corporate knowledge', that he just makes too much sense basketball-wise and financially.

How many other players are out there that possess the ability, knowledge and minimal contract of a Hairston?

Admittedly, I find myself making the case for Malik more than I feel sure about the Spurs' plans for him. I've just been a fan of his for too long and have a hard time being totally objective.

But the logic is definitely there; as is the mental make-up/character and talent of Malik.

That I am sure of.

Good post. Definitely lot's of upside potential for a 6'7" with 7' wingspan to defend guards. Will he cause as much trouble as Ariza and Marion on TP? Hill already can shut down guys like Iverson, but if Pop expects him to be a defensive stopper then maybe he is a keeper.

I'm not to keen on Malik. Yes, there are elements is his game that are promising (a reliable shot, driving ability etc.), but I worry about his weaknesses ( height, ball handling ability). He's definitely quicker and more athletic than Williams, but for me, he isn't unique enough a player.

[ceperez]

I don't think it isn't that easy.
Hairston and Williams are quite expensive with the luxury tax. Keeping Hairston will cost them $1.46M and keeping Williams will cost $1.65M. OTOH, Gist or McClinton will cost $915K.


Why is that? I thought rookie salaries were exempt from the luxury tax (just like vet. minimums). Are you saying that they're exempt only on the first year? Or are Hairston and Williams free agents since they weren't signed in their rookie season.

It seams that Williams more likely can be considered a free agent and therefore subject to luxury tax. Hairston, I really am not sure.

[MarCowMar]

We're very fortunate as Spurs fans to have a quality blog like 48MOH! Thanks for the link.

It will be hilarious if Williams pans out after so many of us trashed him all this time. :)

[Bender]

great stuff. finally something good to read about the spurs.

has MW used up all his allowed time in the d-league?

[Mr. Body]

I wasn't a fan of his drafting and was lukewarm about his career so far, but this interview makes me an instant fan. His humility, intelligence, and respect for the team and game are refreshing and deeply admirable. If he doesn't make it in the league, I can see him in a Monty Williams type role somewhere.

[urunobili]

what a gr8 interview... loved every single minute of it :tu

[Mel_13]

great stuff. finally something good to read about the spurs.

has MW used up all his allowed time in the d-league?

He can't be assigned to the DLeague by an NBA team. If he is cut, he can go back as a free agent.

[1usamotorsports.com]

Talked to him the other day . Marcus is Hungry . Marcus has mad confidence on what hes going to bring to the spurs . :flag:

[Ditty]

williams>finley

[coyotes_geek]

Good read. Seeing as how we haven't heard so much of a peep about the Spurs looking at a veteran point guard, it sure looks like the Spurs really do have some confidence in Williams' ability to play PG.

[mountainballer]

Good read. Seeing as how we haven't heard so much of a peep about the Spurs looking at a veteran point guard, it sure looks like the Spurs really do have some confidence in Williams' ability to play PG.

possible. and not that I'm all against a try. just can't see how he will keep the TOs down. Marcus had 4 TO per game in the D-league, what will happen when he meets NBA defense? and Pop hates it, when the back up PG starts to turn the ball over. (maybe the major reason why JV did enjoy a 3 years career with the Spurs)

[ChumpDumper]

possible. and not that I'm all against a try. just can't see how he will keep the TOs down. Marcus had 4 TO per game in the D-league, what will happen when he meets NBA defense?Well, he was playing 43 minutes a game, so I'm not sure how all that will translate to the NBA. He did seem to turn the ball over more later in games, so fatigue may have been a factor -- but that's just speculation. I'm not expecting him to get much in the way of regular minutes unless someone is injured.

[flox]

If he can be a Marquis Daniels type for us I'll be very happy.

[Bender]

MW said that pop told him that as long as he was active and agressive, and played D all the time, he could have TOs...

[benefactor]

He is certainly saying all the right things. I like the point that Blackjack made about playing him at the point and playing Hill at the 2 sometimes. That could work out nicely match up-wise.

He will probably never be strong enough to be considered a great defender, but if he can hustle and play hard on that end he should be OK. He has enough length to bother most guards, so if he shows he can stick to his fundamentals and make his rotations during camp and the preseason he should be able to make the team. I don't see him having a lot of trouble offensively. He pretty much knows the system and what is expected of him on that end.

[coyotes_geek]

possible. and not that I'm all against a try. just can't see how he will keep the TOs down. Marcus had 4 TO per game in the D-league, what will happen when he meets NBA defense? and Pop hates it, when the back up PG starts to turn the ball over. (maybe the major reason why JV did enjoy a 3 years career with the Spurs)

Certainly a fair point. But are those TO's a red flag that he'd struggle as a PG at the NBA level? Or do we not need to worry about it since at the NBA level he would just need to be the guy who can keep the offense moving as opposed to his role in Austin where he was pretty much the guy who had to carry the team?

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

I'm going to have to see it to believe it, as far as Williams being NBA-ready goes.


It would be nice, but NBDL stardom does not necessarily translate into anything once he is playing with the big boys.

[DPG21920]

I think that is what everyone is doing EHJ. I don't think anyone is sold, even those like Chump who follow him very closely. He has certainly improved and the Spurs seem to like him, but we have heard this song many times before.

[BWS-1994]

SL brings a lot of promises.

[The Truth #6]

What little I saw of Williams after he rejoined the Spurs, he still hadn't impressed me.

I'd rather keep Hairston still and cut loose williams if they need to cut the 'roll down.

Did he actually play that much when he came back to the Spurs? I recall him going in to one game for the last minute and hitting a turn around jumper, but that was about it.

I'm guessing Pop and the FO are impressed by his work ethic, willingness to work with his D league coach, and spend time improving his pick and roll defense. I don't hear of many young players focusing on their pick and roll defense, so perhaps his attitude won them over.

As others have said, even if he's improved considerably, it will be difficult to get PT. I like the idea of Hill and MW getting a shot together on the court, but if they're both out there, and we assume Manu is on the court with the second team, what about Finley? I can't see MW getting time in front of Finley.

Anyway, I hope these young guys pan out and give Pop difficult decisions to make in regards to playing time. That would be a good problem to have, not to mention plenty of material for posters to complain about. Ha.

[ohmwrecker]

I love this kid's attitude. I hope he works out.

[raspsa]

His body type is similar to Bowen's. Maybe he can convince Bruce to be his personal coach and teach him a few tricks. Great attitude but he'll have to deliver the good on the court if he wants to make the team.. go talk to Bruce!!

[exstatic]

If MW fails, it'll likely be on defense. From an NBA perspective, his lateral quickness is average to below average.

[Blackjack]

If MW fails, it'll likely be on defense. From an NBA perspective, his lateral quickness is average to below average.

He'll definitely never be in the discussion as a Bowen replacement; the lateral quickness and foot-speed overall, just isn't there.

Having said that, in terms of a team defender, he's actually got good length and instincts to be a pretty good one. The fact that Marcus made a point of mentioning a guy like Barry, who would never be confused for a good on-ball defender, is probably a good thing.

Barry was actually a pretty decent team defender. He was smart, long and had a knack for getting his hand in the way of an entry pass or disrupting a kick-out from the post on a double team. Things Marcus is more than capable of eventually doing.

His lack of quickness, at first glance, leads you to believe his chances of sticking on a team coached by Pop would be pretty slim. But when you look at the type of defenders the Spurs have had on the perimeter not named Bowen in recent years, it's hard to say Williams' foot speed/lateral quickness isn't at least on par with the likes of those players.

Marcus' ability to space the opponent with his length defensively, intelligence and diligence with a scouting report should be enough to get him on the court if he's capable of being a legit point/utility-forward on the offensive end. I don't think Pop's under any illusions that Marcus' role will ever be that of Bowen, so it seems, at least to me, that Williams' success is tied more to his ability to excel on the offensive end of the floor, while not being a liability on the defensive end.

The Jury's obviously still out whether Marcus can translate the success and unique skill set he offers at the NBA level, but if he proves capable of being a legit point-forward?

I think he's got the tools to be an adequate enough defender to keep his self on the court; especially if he's playing alongside a defender like Hill for stretches, with that guy named Duncan at his back.

[mountainballer]

The Jury's obviously still out whether Marcus can translate the success and unique skill set he offers at the NBA level, but if he proves capable of being a legit point-forward?

I think he's got the tools to be an adequate enough defender to keep his self on the court; especially if he's playing alongside a defender like Hill for stretches, with that guy named Duncan at his back.

theoretically he could be part of a "big plan", with Hill and Hairston as the two other pieces for a future back court. I mean, on paper the abilities and talents of the 3 would compliment pretty nice and MW alongside Hairston worked well in Austin. of course, we still don't know if anyone of the 3 will ever be a legit NBA player.
(and with the one big big obstacle: none can be expected to ever become an above average 3pt shooter).
however, considering that the Spurs didn't exactly invest lottery picks in this 3 and that Pop also is pretty pragmatic and in win now mode, I don't think that we can already see the Spurs future in Hill-Hairston-Williams. (add Ian here)
more realistic might be, that one or more of them will be part of some trade package, salary dump, roster spot opener scenarios within the next season.

[Mel_13]

The handfull of time I have seen him Marcus has never really impressed me, but I probably saw him on an off night looking at his numbers. That was a really long piece so I'll finish it up later.

I still think the Spurs need to ships McClinton and Gist somewhere for a year or two. We should hold on to their rights and save them for the future instead of having Marcus, Malik, Gist and Jack fight it out.

The Spurs would need McClinton and Gist to agree to play overseas in order to keep their rights. If they don't agree, the Spurs have no choice but to tender contract offers to them. They wanted Marcus to play overseas, but he refused and was cut at the end of camp in 2007.

[Blackjack]

theoretically he could be part of a "big plan", with Hill and Hairston as the two other pieces for a future back court. I mean, on paper the abilities and talents of the 3 would compliment pretty nice and MW alongside Hairston worked well in Austin. of course, we still don't know if anyone of the 3 will ever be a legit NBA player.

It's possible..

They do all compliment each other pretty nicely and are at ages that they could grow together, but it'd be a stretch to think the Spurs were that sold on the idea. -- As you also alluded to. --


(and with the one big big obstacle: none can be expected to ever become an above average 3pt shooter).

I'm not so sure about that.

Hill was a pretty solid shooter throughout his college days and I'm pretty confident he'll be able to shoot the spot-up 3 at a respectable rate.

Hairston, I've often wondered if the 3 wasn't something he should just almost abandon, with how well he shot that mid range shot in college. But his D-League stint showed enough flashes to think that he just might be capable.

If nothing else, I feel both he and Hill can hit the 3's available in the Spurs' offense given the time to develop/get comfortable and that Hairston will make shots in the clutch that you wouldn't normally expect him to make; he's kind of had a knack for it in the past.

I agree with Williams, though. I don't feel too comfortable in his prospects of developing a consistent 3-point shot.


more realistic might be, that one or more of them will be part of some trade package, salary dump, roster spot opener scenarios within the next season.

Agree.

I hope not, especially in the case of Hill and Hairston, -- Williams, while I'm hopeful, has yet to convince me -- but it's definitely a possibility.