Sean Williams Interview/ Brandan Wright available?

[Rocketsterps]

Do you guys think Sean Williams is a good fit w/ our squad? I think he needs about 15 pounds more muscle on him and he would be perfect.... like a young, tougher Theo Ratliff. He and Joey Dorsey could learn from Mutumbo and Sikma how to get it done. Check this interview and let me know what you think....

Sean Williams Interview (Westwood)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxKZcDX7DyE

http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/players/ ... rId%3d3239

http://www.nbadraft.net/admincp/profile ... liams.html

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Sean-Williams-392/

[moofs]

I think
- playing with a player / coach doesn't necessarily benefit the player that much
- the dude's voice is lower than a 2000w subwoofer.
- it's weird how everyone wants us to pick up 15 different big men all of a sudden
- he's still employed by the nets
- this is a very random thread?!?

[Rocketsterps]

I think
- playing with a player / coach doesn't necessarily benefit the player that much
- the dude's voice is lower than a 2000w subwoofer.
- it's weird how everyone wants us to pick up 15 different big men all of a sudden
- he's still employed by the nets
- this is a very random thread?!?

Carl Landry's development was attributed in large part w/ working w/ Mutumbo and Sikma the first half of the year -- before he recieved playing time.

Sean Williams is not in the Nets rotation or future plans... They just drafted Brook Lopez and Ryan Anderson plus traded for Yi Jilian and signed Eduardo Najara. In addition, Josh Boone is ahead of him on the depth chart. Moreover, they still have Stromile Swift, so Sean Williams can be had.

If you didn't notice, besides Yao there is nobody on the current team taller than 6-9. Perhaps thats why everyone is making suggestions about big men.

Finally, Daryl Morey himself said recently that he WILL get a big man in the near future and that Mutumbo remains high on his list. However, he also said that quick shotblockers are the future of the NBA... the only way to defend the quick point guards like Chris Paul on pick and rolls or when they break down their defenders. Sean Williams is one of the best young shotblockers in the game... he just doesn't fit in NJ.

[moofs]

I guess what I was getting at more with the first post was that just because ex/current players are/were great doesn't mean that they're great teachers of their arts. It's the inverse of Barry being a good defensive teacher when he can't play defense. That assumption tends to lead to a lot of suggestions that sound like what you said, but may not necessarily have been what you were getting at. I'm not personally aware of whether Sikma and Mutombo are good teachers or not, but will take your word on it in that case.

You make a good point about why we might want him (quick young shotblocker, which we don't necessarily have barring Dorsey), and it would be nice to have someone who could deal with the but he sounds a bit on the dumb side and has a media reputation as a troublemaker. He also said in the interview that he wasn't going to listen to the coach on several drills he was running the team through, and that the team/coaches would just have to respect that, which didn't do anything to counter all the negative things I've heard about him, and more importantly came straight from the horse's mouth, instead of secondhand. I guess two other things to look at would be that good shotblocker doesn't necessarily equate to good team defender (which Mutombo is), and that he seems to have lost his job to Stromile Swift and Yi "The Chairman" Jianlian.

[Vator]

"Williams can finish, rebound and block shots. What he can't do, apparently, is remember plays, and that's what limited his playing time as a rookie."

"However, he's not a good defensive player at this point because he was so confused on team defense and frequently out of position. Additionally, his lack of strength is a problem in post defense and on the boards."

Sounds exactly like Slowmile to me...been there, done that. You can't teach intelligence.

[jove9]

There's probably a reason why he's fallen out of favor in NJ. If he were the answer for them at PF, then they would not have traded RJ for Yi, traded for Swift, or drafted Lopez.

All of these things tell me that Williams, while athletically intruguing, isn't necessarily someone who will fit on our team.

[Rocketsterps]

I guess what I was getting at more with the first post was that just because ex/current players are/were great doesn't mean that they're great teachers of their arts. It's the inverse of Barry being a good defensive teacher when he can't play defense. That assumption tends to lead to a lot of suggestions that sound like what you said, but may not necessarily have been what you were getting at. I'm not personally aware of whether Sikma and Mutombo are good teachers or not, but will take your word on it in that case.

You make a good point about why we might want him (quick young shotblocker, which we don't necessarily have barring Dorsey), and it would be nice to have someone who could deal with the but he sounds a bit on the dumb side and has a media reputation as a troublemaker. He also said in the interview that he wasn't going to listen to the coach on several drills he was running the team through, and that the team/coaches would just have to respect that, which didn't do anything to counter all the negative things I've heard about him, and more importantly came straight from the horse's mouth, instead of secondhand. I guess two other things to look at would be that good shotblocker doesn't necessarily equate to good team defender (which Mutombo is), and that he seems to have lost his job to Stromile Swift and Yi "The Chairman" Jianlian.

Sean Williams vs Chris Paul, rondo etc...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttAnYLDX4EY

I agree w/ the point that it's not a good sign that he took issue w/ the coaches. I noticed that too but didn't want to lead anyone else's view on it. Dorsey says some questionable things too and sounds dumb sometimes. That's why an on and off the court mentor like Mutumbo would be good for all our young players. In addition, Adelman and his staff have had great success w/ players like Sean Williams... Keon Clark, Rasheed Wallace, Bonzi, and Artest come to mind. Williams is still learning the game so his basketball IQ isn't the best ... Has a tendency to pick-up fouls with regularity but he could learn to be a great weakside team defender. Chuck Hayes, Scola and Landry all improved their team defense in our JVG defensive system.

According to John Hollinger (see above link), the reason why Sean Williams has been passed up on the depth chart and out of the rotation is his inability to shoot a mid range shot from the PF position in NJ's system. He goes on to say that SW is better suited to play the 5. W/ the way RA wants our second unit to run, a fast shotblocking combo of Williams & Dorsey could be lethal. Whoever develops first out of the two (or depending on matchups) would get the lionshare of the backup 5 duties.

[Rocketsterps]

"Williams can finish, rebound and block shots. What he can't do, apparently, is remember plays, and that's what limited his playing time as a rookie."

"However, he's not a good defensive player at this point because he was so confused on team defense and frequently out of position. Additionally, his lack of strength is a problem in post defense and on the boards."

Sounds exactly like Slowmile to me...been there, done that. You can't teach intelligence.

Your right Vator you can't teach intelligence but you can teach team defense. Joey Dorsey will spend the first half of the year learning it himself-- like Scola did last year. On offense, the true Adelman offense has no plays to remember... it's all based on reads. If Keon Clark could do it ANYBODY should be able. The main problem w/ Slowmile was his contract at the full MLE over 5 mil. Sean Williams only makes 1.5 million. I would much rather develop his potential than have Luther at 1.9 million.

I don't ever remember Slowmile playing like this...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39pPaqrcxog

[ShaY]

I would be thrilled to have Sean Williams if he is available , I wanted him in the draft but he didn;t slip.

This guy is a great shot blocker and finisher.

Hopefully eh will learn how to play the game better and if he does he can become a huge asset.

I would do Luther Head and Memphis 2009 2nd rounder for Sean in a split second.

[jove9]

Luther AND a pick??? For the next Stromile?

Man, I don't know. I could see just Luther straight up, if Williams could turn things around, but you're probably giving up too much.

[aznkillabeezZz]

he's definitely cocky, and gangster from the westwood interview

[ShaY]

They have no reason to do it for just Luther , thats whay I added a 2nd rounder , I think Sean can be good/

[Rocketsterps]

They have no reason to do it for just Luther , thats whay I added a 2nd rounder , I think Sean can be good/

I agree we might have to give a second rounder w/ Luther Head to get it done but I would not give the Memphis 2nd rounder in next years draft. I'd give our later pick or perhaps a 2010 2nd rounder.

Another PF/C we should keep an eye on is Brandan Wright. B. Wright also needs to be developed and needs serious weight/muscle gain but he's been passed up by A. Biedrins/Anthony Randolph/R. Turiaf/ A. Harrington/ R. Hendrix.

http://warriors.fandome.com/video/89681 ... an-Wright/

[TMU]

Funny how he's already labeled the next Stromile when he's had only a year of NBA experience. But at the same time, there's absolutely no reason to go after him right now. I think Morey is confident that Dorsey can fill in as our future backup C. While the idea of getting Sean Williams in intriguing, I don't think Morey should consider him unless Dorsey doesn't pan out.

[Alex_De_Large]

i dont think nets are interested in trade him.

[Rocketsterps]

i dont think nets are interested in trade him.

Sure they are. The Nets coach Lawrence Frank doesn't like his game or attitude. He's behind all their bigs on the depth chart. The Nets also need another guard (Luther Head) but may want a team to eat Mo Ager's contract. We can do that w/ the 2.2 mil Bonzi Wells trade exception.

Depth Chart

C: Brook Lopez / Josh Boone / Stromile Swift
PF: Yi Jianlian /Ryan Anderson / Sean Williams
SF: Bobby Simmons / Eduardo Najera / Jarvis Hayes
SG: Vince Carter / Chris Douglas-Roberts / Trenton Hassell / Mo Ager
PG: Devin Harris / Keyon Dooling

Read this article and be sure to see the comments below by Nets fans (They want SW GONE)...
http://www.nj.com/nets/index.ssf/2008/1 ... nk_no.html

http://www.nj.com/nets/index.ssf/2008/1 ... _comm.html

[tisbee]

Even tho I've been whining for a tall shot-blocking big for the past 3 Summers,I would say no to Williams. The Rockets are trying to win a title now,not run a remedial basketball camp.

I've been thinking about this thread most of the day and here are a few thoughts.
The season is about to start and everybody is optimistic-about the Playoffs or developing their young talent while being competitive. That means the only players available right now are the ones that have had horrible camps and their teams have completely written them off. To trade for one of them means you either think the other team is run by complete idiots or you believe the Rockets uniform has incredible powers. Jan/Feb is when reality sets in and bargains can be had.
The Rockets had the #2 ranked Defense last yr and were among the League leaders in blocked shots. Scola,Hayes,Landry all return and the team has added Dorsey,who will hopefully by mid-season be ready to play some meaningful minutes. There's a roster spot open for Deke if the team needs him. Artest has been added and he will prob see some minutes at the 4-and what he lacks in size he makes up in strength. The team is prob willing to play a few games and see what happens before they decide to make changes.
The Rockets used most of their better tradeable goodies in getting Artest. It takes 2 to trade and other GMs have to sell their part of a trade to their fans. The Rox don't have a First Rd pick to give rebuilding teams and Francis expiring contract is less than $3mil. The player the Rox could most easily afford trading is Luther but his salary is modest and there isn't a great demand for under-sized SGs. Dorsey is the other valuable trading asset,but are you getting an improvement?

No,I haven't changed my tune,I still want the team to get a 6'10"+ big who's mobile,rebounds and can come from the weak-side and erase mistakes.(Where's a modern Otis Thorpe when you need him ?)
I just don't want to go digging thru the scrapyard hoping a miracle will happen when the player puts on the Rox uniform. Sometime early next yr some team is going to get a little desperate/anxious and Morey will swoop.(See Spurs/Scola,Hornets/bench,08 Draft-Port/Batum,Grizz/Arthur.)

[A.J.]

I wouldnt mind trading for him. But knowing the Nets, they would want something good in return, and I am not in favor of trading our young talent for him. Head is the player I would trade for him.

[Rocketsterps]

Even tho I've been whining for a tall shot-blocking big for the past 3 Summers,I would say no to Williams. The Rockets are trying to win a title now,not run a remedial basketball camp.

I've been thinking about this thread most of the day and here are a few thoughts.
The season is about to start and everybody is optimistic-about the Playoffs or developing their young talent while being competitive. That means the only players available right now are the ones that have had horrible camps and their teams have completely written them off. To trade for one of them means you either think the other team is run by complete idiots or you believe the Rockets uniform has incredible powers. Jan/Feb is when reality sets in and bargains can be had.The Rockets had the #2 ranked Defense last yr and were among the League leaders in blocked shots. Scola,Hayes,Landry all return and the team has added Dorsey,who will hopefully by mid-season be ready to play some meaningful minutes. There's a roster spot open for Deke if the team needs him. Artest has been added and he will prob see some minutes at the 4-and what he lacks in size he makes up in strength. The team is prob willing to play a few games and see what happens before they decide to make changes.
The Rockets used most of their better tradeable goodies in getting Artest. It takes 2 to trade and other GMs have to sell their part of a trade to their fans. The Rox don't have a First Rd pick to give rebuilding teams and Francis expiring contract is less than $3mil. The player the Rox could most easily afford trading is Luther but his salary is modest and there isn't a great demand for under-sized SGs. Dorsey is the other valuable trading asset,but are you getting an improvement?

No,I haven't changed my tune,I still want the team to get a 6'10"+ big who's mobile,rebounds and can come from the weak-side and erase mistakes.(Where's a modern Otis Thorpe when you need him ?)
I just don't want to go digging thru the scrapyard hoping a miracle will happen when the player puts on the Rox uniform. Sometime early next yr some team is going to get a little desperate/anxious and Morey will swoop.(See Spurs/Scola,Hornets/bench,08 Draft-Port/Batum,Grizz/Arthur.)

You raised some good points but I think you missed a few of mine. Sean Williams has had a bad camp but still has tremendous potential. I don't think our jersey is magical but I do know players sometimes fit better in different systems w/ different roles. If Chuck Hayes was on another team he would be useless -- in our JVG defensive system he is our best low post defender & on offense in the princeton type offense he's an underrated passer and outstanding offensive rebounder. I think SW needs 10-15 pounds of muscle added to his frame to play the NBA 5 like Amare or Alonzo did on defense. I can easily see him being as effective as Keon Clark was for the old Kings. If you trade for Sean Williams you can still sign Deke so he can mentor plus the young guys (Dorsey & Williams) don't have to be rushed -- but can be on-call if there is an injury. I remember how Carl Landry gave so much credit to Deke working w/ him before and after practice to develop his game. He said Deke is like a father to him. If we can get SW the right grooming early he can really be a vital role player for us. If we are wrong on the gamble, all it would cost us is luther Head (who would be replaced by Von Wafer) and perhaps a trade exception or our 2nd round pick who probably couldn't make our deep team anyway.

[tisbee]

Rocketsterps,
First,I admit I don't have any personal knowledge of Sean so what I think I know is all second hand.
Williams came across in the interview you cited as a kid who has a strong sense of entitlement and little of personal responsability. There was a reason such a talented kid fell to NJ and at the time he was considered one of those risk vs reward picks. Well it looks like NJ didn't get the reward. The bit about not listening to all the coaches instructions also shows a very high ego. You believe Motumbo can be a great mentor/teacher for him...but what if Sean doesn't listen? What if he's so arrogant and sure of himself that he thinks something along the lines of "why should I pay any attention to this old fossil who can't even get into a game" ? We've all know someone who just won't listen to good advice,and Sean from a distance appears to be one of those guys. As much as I want someone w/his tools,I'm greedy enough to also want his head to be in the right place and I don't think that's the case w/Sean.
There's also the issue of how many young guys can the Rockets effectively teach. The team has Dorsey to bring along,and I doubt they're letting Carl develope on his own. They still haven't signed Deke. When they do,how much time will he have to spend on a Williams? He is friends w/Yao,will prob still work w/Carl,prob help Dorsey,so what does that leave? If the Rox acquire a young big,he has to be someone who WANTS to improve,who will seek out help,who will make the staff and players like Deke,Ron,etc spend the time helping him. For now I believe the team needs a self-starter,not someone who has to be pushed and prodded and who resists the pushing and prodding.
One last thought. There were a ton of raw,talented tall bigs in the last draft. The Rockets apparently made no effort to get any of them. I doubt they will try to trade for one now.