Michael Carter-Williams

[EddieJonesFan]

He seems to be what Shaun Livingston was supposed to be

I had the exact same thought.

[jman3134]

slightly OT, but syracuse's schedule has been cupcake city.

It's really not though. This is why I have said on twitter and elsewhere that I am reserving judgment on him. So far I like what I see, but it is tough with who they've played. So far, he seems to have a really good handle and first step.

[teamjosh04]

slightly OT, but syracuse's schedule has been cupcake city.

It's really not though. This is why I have said on twitter and elsewhere that I am reserving judgment on him. So far I like what I see, but it is tough with who they've played. So far, he seems to have a really good handle and first step.

Agreed. They havent played anyone and for a big point guard with his athleticism, he should be beating up on these teams. Hes as tall/long as some of the opponent's centers theyve played.

[Johnlac1]

It's very rare to get a pg nowadays who is pass first. It's rarer to get one that tall and athletic. A lot of pro teams could use him. As a Bucks fan, I'd gladly hand him the starting pg spot next season and relegate Jennings to the bench. Two shoot-first small guards cannot work well. Ellis is a legitimate shooting guard. Jennings is supposed to be a pg but it's difficult to tell the difference between him and Ellis. Both of them are shooting under 40% from the field, and can't or refuse to get the ball inside. C-W would solve a lot of problems including being able to guard big sgs.

[jman3134]

For instance, Temple really turned MCW over today, and he had a poor showing at the line. Let's wait until at least conference play before we label him as the elite point guard of this draft.

[Cusefan03]

Wow mcw was absolutely TERRIBLE today. He finished with 13 points on 3-15, 7-15 ft and 0-2 from 3 with only 4 assists and 3 turnovers. In the second half he tried to carry the load offensively but absolutely nothing was falling for him. Most of his misses were layups through contact. The only positives I take out of this game were he was still able to get into the lane at will and he got to the line a lot but when your missing more than half of the ft's it pretty much turns into a negative. He had a chance to prove the people who were leary about him that hes a great pg but all he did was increase the skepticism. Even I'm starting to worry about his ability to finish.

[No-Man]

His touch is worse than RRubio's FOR REAL

[Johnlac1]

I doubt his touch is worse than Rubio's. He's shooting about 80% from the foul line which usually indicates a good shooter. His shot looks better than Rubio's and might just need a little work. Not quite the vision and passing skills of Rubio, but close. Which means he's extremely good at it. Faster than Rubio and probably a little longer. I'd love to see him on the Bucks. We could bring Jennings off the bench or trade him because he'd probably not like coming off the bench. I'd start C-W right now over Jennings. Then instead of two point-hungry, small starting guards, we'd only have one on the floor at a time.

[Grang33r]

Wow mcw was absolutely TERRIBLE today. He finished with 13 points on 3-15, 7-15 ft and 0-2 from 3 with only 4 assists and 3 turnovers. In the second half he tried to carry the load offensively but absolutely nothing was falling for him. Most of his misses were layups through contact. The only positives I take out of this game were he was still able to get into the lane at will and he got to the line a lot but when your missing more than half of the ft's it pretty much turns into a negative. He had a chance to prove the people who were leary about him that hes a great pg but all he did was increase the skepticism. Even I'm starting to worry about his ability to finish.

Temple figured a way to play against him. They made him into a shoot first player, instead of pass first. As you saw, he struggled a lot. I like him game a lot though but if he can't get better finishing, i don't think he'll be able to succeed at the next level.

[teamjosh04]

Wow mcw was absolutely TERRIBLE today. He finished with 13 points on 3-15, 7-15 ft and 0-2 from 3 with only 4 assists and 3 turnovers. In the second half he tried to carry the load offensively but absolutely nothing was falling for him. Most of his misses were layups through contact. The only positives I take out of this game were he was still able to get into the lane at will and he got to the line a lot but when your missing more than half of the ft's it pretty much turns into a negative. He had a chance to prove the people who were leary about him that hes a great pg but all he did was increase the skepticism. Even I'm starting to worry about his ability to finish.

Temple figured a way to play against him. They made him into a shoot first player, instead of pass first. As you saw, he struggled a lot. I like him game a lot though but if he can't get better finishing, i don't think he'll be able to succeed at the next level.

Very true. unlike the cupcakes they played, Temple didn't collapse their defense on him and leave shooters open from 3-pt shots. they took away the easy assists MCW has been getting in the halfcourt and made him prove he can finish himself. and he can't at this point.

as for his touch, thats the least of my worries. he has good touch. dealing with the contact just throws him off.

Here is what I wrote about him today, but this has been my take on him since the beginning of the year:

"Yesterday Michael Carter-Williams showed some of the things Ive been concerned about all year and they lost to Temple. This is why I've been saying lets wait until Big East play. I've had a lot of people ask me why I've been so down on MCW and I feel somewhat vindicated after yesterday. Im not overreacting to one bad game here, everyone else has been overreacting to a string of solid games against a very weak schedule. His flaws have been on display all year.

Carter-Williams is very good in transition and has been able to get into the paint and make the simple pass this year. He has racked up a lot of assists and can see over defenses, but its ridiculous to compare his passing ability to Rubio's or Kendall Marshall's. Those guys have an out of this world knowledge of the game and the ability to see things before they happen. Carter-Williams has a good feel for the game, but is nowhere near the point guard either of them are.

Syracuse did much of their damage in transition play as they have all year. Carter-Williams himself is the key in this, as he is great at forcing turnovers and getting out on the break. His long strides and ability to change directions with good body control are key factors. He also does a good job finding ways to get the ball to teammates.

In the halfcourt, Carter-Williams has been very aggressive. Against San Diego State, Carter-Williams relied on his quick first step and a floater to get his points. He didn't go all the way to the rim against them. After that, Cuse has been playing cupcakes whose centers barely rival MCW in length and he has been able to get into the painted area. He still struggled finishing with contact and that was especially evident yesterday against Temple - their toughest opponent since SDSU.

Carter-Williams relies on his terrific first step to create offense in the halfcourt at this point. He has a good feel for the pick and roll game, but is too turnover prone to run it consistent. He has a loose dribble and combined with his height, struggles in the traffic an on ball screen creates. Its also true when he drives into the lane - that combined with his lack of strength is a big concern.

Syracuse's defense has been able to put their players in position to get overrated by NBA scouts. From Hakim Warrick, Jonny Flynn, Donte Greene, Dion Waiters, Wesley Johnson - these guys have all been major disappointments once they've gotten into the NBA. Carter-Williams is making like Waiters on defense this year - showing good anticipation skills and gambling for a lot of steals. He's a huge threat in this area, but how does it translate?

Carter-Williams will have a sizable learning curve to make up for on defense when he gets to the NBA and his predecessors aren't positive examples of success. He does have great tools on this end of the floor, but it doesn't automatically make him a great defender.

All in all, there can't be a more overrated player in the country right now from a NBA Draft perspective. This is a kid who also has character concerns and that came before the shoplifting incident. He is competitive and has a love for the game which is a positive. Yes he was willing to sit on the bench for a full season and didn't transfer despite contemplating it, but why would he transfer? He would have had to sit out a whole season and he knew that he would be starter this year at Cuse. Its hardly a reason to applaud him.

Carter-Williams wasn't even looked at as a point guard until late in his high school career, and even up until this year, has always been considering a combo guard. He has made great strides in learning the point guard position but still has a long way to go. His potential is definitely worth a first round pick this season but the "best point guard prospect in the country" talk needs to stop."

[Cusefan03]

Wow mcw was absolutely TERRIBLE today. He finished with 13 points on 3-15, 7-15 ft and 0-2 from 3 with only 4 assists and 3 turnovers. In the second half he tried to carry the load offensively but absolutely nothing was falling for him. Most of his misses were layups through contact. The only positives I take out of this game were he was still able to get into the lane at will and he got to the line a lot but when your missing more than half of the ft's it pretty much turns into a negative. He had a chance to prove the people who were leary about him that hes a great pg but all he did was increase the skepticism. Even I'm starting to worry about his ability to finish.

Temple figured a way to play against him. They made him into a shoot first player, instead of pass first. As you saw, he struggled a lot. I like him game a lot though but if he can't get better finishing, i don't think he'll be able to succeed at the next level.

Very true. unlike the cupcakes they played, Temple didn't collapse their defense on him and leave shooters open from 3-pt shots. they took away the easy assists MCW has been getting in the halfcourt and made him prove he can finish himself. and he can't at this point.

as for his touch, thats the least of my worries. he has good touch. dealing with the contact just throws him off.

Here is what I wrote about him today, but this has been my take on him since the beginning of the year:

"Yesterday Michael Carter-Williams showed some of the things Ive been concerned about all year and they lost to Temple. This is why I've been saying lets wait until Big East play. I've had a lot of people ask me why I've been so down on MCW and I feel somewhat vindicated after yesterday. Im not overreacting to one bad game here, everyone else has been overreacting to a string of solid games against a very weak schedule. His flaws have been on display all year.

Carter-Williams is very good in transition and has been able to get into the paint and make the simple pass this year. He has racked up a lot of assists and can see over defenses, but its ridiculous to compare his passing ability to Rubio's or Kendall Marshall's. Those guys have an out of this world knowledge of the game and the ability to see things before they happen. Carter-Williams has a good feel for the game, but is nowhere near the point guard either of them are.

Syracuse did much of their damage in transition play as they have all year. Carter-Williams himself is the key in this, as he is great at forcing turnovers and getting out on the break. His long strides and ability to change directions with good body control are key factors. He also does a good job finding ways to get the ball to teammates.

In the halfcourt, Carter-Williams has been very aggressive. Against San Diego State, Carter-Williams relied on his quick first step and a floater to get his points. He didn't go all the way to the rim against them. After that, Cuse has been playing cupcakes whose centers barely rival MCW in length and he has been able to get into the painted area. He still struggled finishing with contact and that was especially evident yesterday against Temple - their toughest opponent since SDSU.

Carter-Williams relies on his terrific first step to create offense in the halfcourt at this point. He has a good feel for the pick and roll game, but is too turnover prone to run it consistent. He has a loose dribble and combined with his height, struggles in the traffic an on ball screen creates. Its also true when he drives into the lane - that combined with his lack of strength is a big concern.

Syracuse's defense has been able to put their players in position to get overrated by NBA scouts. From Hakim Warrick, Jonny Flynn, Donte Greene, Dion Waiters, Wesley Johnson - these guys have all been major disappointments once they've gotten into the NBA. Carter-Williams is making like Waiters on defense this year - showing good anticipation skills and gambling for a lot of steals. He's a huge threat in this area, but how does it translate?

Carter-Williams will have a sizable learning curve to make up for on defense when he gets to the NBA and his predecessors aren't positive examples of success. He does have great tools on this end of the floor, but it doesn't automatically make him a great defender.

All in all, there can't be a more overrated player in the country right now from a NBA Draft perspective. This is a kid who also has character concerns and that came before the shoplifting incident. He is competitive and has a love for the game which is a positive. Yes he was willing to sit on the bench for a full season and didn't transfer despite contemplating it, but why would he transfer? He would have had to sit out a whole season and he knew that he would be starter this year at Cuse. Its hardly a reason to applaud him.

Carter-Williams wasn't even looked at as a point guard until late in his high school career, and even up until this year, has always been considering a combo guard. He has made great strides in learning the point guard position but still has a long way to go. His potential is definitely worth a first round pick this season but the "best point guard prospect in the country" talk needs to stop."

I agree with you for the most part but feel you're underrating his court vision a little. I didnt watch Marshal much last year so I know he had great vision but dont know how great. Yes, Syracuse does like to run and mcw ges a lot of assists in transition but so does North Carolina and I'm sure Marshall got a lot of assists that way also. Everything else I pretty much agree with you on, I feel like good teams will make him beat them as a scorer first like temple did. I do think he will adjust because he was a great scorer in high school and was a mcdonalds all american based on scoring ability(he wasnt known as a pg yet). He might still be a little rusty because he didnt play much at all last year. If he can start making some shots it will force teams to send those extra defenders and open things back uo for him.

[Cusefan03]

Carter-Williams followed up a couple decent shooting games with an absolutely BRUTAL performance today. 1-13 fg 1-4 from 3 and 1-3 ft's. His shooting needs to improve or teams are just gonna back off him. He did seem to get fouled a couple times but the big east is a very physical conference and the refs didnt blow the whistle. He needs at least another 10-15 pounds of muscle before going to the NBA. Besides the shooting he played decently though but only managed 5 assists, his defense was outstanding and he racked up 9 boards and 4 steals. His defense during crunch time was even better... Overall I still feel hes a lottery talent because of his outstanding upside. If he adds muscle and learns to shoot he could be an excellent NBA pg. Also, he does have good form on his jumper but it just isn't falling consistently. He cant finish at the rim whatsoever right now but I think the added muscle would help him greatly with that.

[ManualRam]

his form is fine, but he tends to rush his shots. i think he plays a little too fast, which makes him effective in some areas and hurts him in others. will he be as effective if/when he slows his game down a little bit?

he also can't play to contact near the paint. he tries to finish over the defense and take away shot blockers leverage, but he doesn't have the strength to do so.

[Cusefan03]

his form is fine, but he tends to rush his shots. i think he plays a little too fast, which makes him effective in some areas and hurts him in others. will he be as effective if/when he slows his game down a little bit?

he also can't play to contact near the paint. he tries to finish over the defense and take away shot blockers leverage, but he doesn't have the strength to do so.

Thats why I think adding more muscle could do him wonders, he seems to consistantly miss short on a lot of his floaters and shots in the lane. Mcnamara apparently was working with him on slowing down and it seemed to be working(11-20 fg's in his 2 previous games). I think playing in the big east will help him in preparing for the physicality of the NBA.

[JN]

He has the size and agility to create a lot of 5-8 foot chippies. And yet he can't finish them. I'm not sure if its rushing or him looking for a pass and not being able to focus properly when he has to shoot instead.

[EddieJonesFan]

His problems seem to be fixable though. Isn't that an important distinction when looking at a young prospect like him?

[Ruzious]

His problems seem to be fixable though. Isn't that an important distinction when looking at a young prospect like him?

They are fixable, but are they likely to be fixed? He's not an 18 year old frosh; he's 21.

[Johnlac1]

How many pgs the size, skills, and athletic ability of MCW are in the NBA? Kidd is 6'4 and past his prime. Dragic is 6'4. Rubio is 6'4. The top pgs are mostly 6'3 and under. You almost have to back to Magic Johnson or Penny Hardawy to find a big pass-first pg with that much potential. Compared to Rubio, he's a better athlete with not quite the court vision or passing ability. But it's still outstanding. And like Rubio, he's a good defensive player. At the moment he can't finish like Kidd in his prime or Dragic, but that can be worked on. Rubio is not a great finisher and cannot get to the basket as well as MCW. MCW's outside shot needs work as well, but it looks better than Rubio's. As a Bucks fan, I'd gladly take him over Jennings. But he'll get picked before the Bucks get a chance at him.

[JungleCat022]

How many pgs the size, skills, and athletic ability of MCW are in the NBA? Kidd is 6'4 and past his prime. Dragic is 6'4. Rubio is 6'4. The top pgs are mostly 6'3 and under. You almost have to back to Magic Johnson or Penny Hardawy to find a big pass-first pg with that much potential. Compared to Rubio, he's a better athlete with not quite the court vision or passing ability. But it's still outstanding. And like Rubio, he's a good defensive player. At the moment he can't finish like Kidd in his prime or Dragic, but that can be worked on. Rubio is not a great finisher and cannot get to the basket as well as MCW. MCW's outside shot needs work as well, but it looks better than Rubio's. As a Bucks fan, I'd gladly take him over Jennings. But he'll get picked before the Bucks get a chance at him.

Shaun Livingston.

[[RCG]]

How many pgs the size, skills, and athletic ability of MCW are in the NBA? Kidd is 6'4 and past his prime. Dragic is 6'4. Rubio is 6'4. The top pgs are mostly 6'3 and under. You almost have to back to Magic Johnson or Penny Hardawy to find a big pass-first pg with that much potential. Compared to Rubio, he's a better athlete with not quite the court vision or passing ability. But it's still outstanding. And like Rubio, he's a good defensive player. At the moment he can't finish like Kidd in his prime or Dragic, but that can be worked on. Rubio is not a great finisher and cannot get to the basket as well as MCW. MCW's outside shot needs work as well, but it looks better than Rubio's. As a Bucks fan, I'd gladly take him over Jennings. But he'll get picked before the Bucks get a chance at him.

Carter-Williams is shooting 37% from the field & 27.5% from 3.
Rubio shot 34% from 3.
And the NBA 3 is a couple feet further out.

His shot needs a lot of work.