Lou Williams wants to remain a starter

[HMFFL]

The way Lou Williams has played since being inserted in the Hawks starting lineup would certainly make it difficult for them to send out a unit that doesn’t include the guard.

Williams would like to keep it that way.

Just consider the results. The Hawks have won the past four games since inserting Williams as the starting shooting guard. He has a combined 71 points (26 of 55 shooting, .473), including 12 3-pointers, 26 assists and 20 rebounds. A career-high 12 of those assists came in Saturday’s victory over the Pacers in which Williams recorded his first career points-assists double-double.

“I feel good about our offense,” Williams said. “I’m excited about the opportunity to start. Anything I can do to keep that position.”

Williams, who signed with the Hawks as a free agent this summer, spent much of first seven seasons coming off the bench for the 76ers. He had previously played 173 straight career games, dating back to March 14, 2010, before getting the start against the Bulls last week. That’s more than two full NBA seasons. He missed a game March 15 due to back spasms and then came off the bench every game from March 17, 2010 until Dec. 22, 2012. http://blogs.ajc.com/hawks/2012/12/30/a ... logs_hawks

[ATL Boy]

If he keeps playing the way he's been playing I'd have no problem with him starting.

[MaceCase]

I think that was another big part of him coming to Atlanta for the price he did rather than pursue a larger contract elsewhere, the opportunity to start. I kind of like him starting, he's more in the flow of the offense whereas off the bench his main role is to get shots up ASAP.

[Rip2137]

Yeah, I disagree. He is scoring better as a starter, but the defense is worse, and he just kinda messes up the ball flow. If Drew would take the ball out his hands and let his point guard be the point guard, I have no problem with it. When he is giving him the ball as the primary ball handler I don't like the look.

Yes, we have won the last 4, but we won the Detroit and Cleveland game DESPITE Lou's play at the 2 guard, not because of it.

I like him off the bench while starting a real 2 guard. be it Morrow, Jenkins or Stevenson.

[Jamaaliver]

I like Louis as a starter, but agree the defense is atrocious with both and Lou on the floor together for extended minutes.

I say we ride this wave of momentum out and make a decision in a few weeks.

With JTeague not under contract for much longer (he's a restricted free agent next summer) does anyone think Lou might be a long-term fixture at PG?

I already know what RIP's gonna say.

[Rip2137]

I would hope that after watching him play all season you would say the same. The dude simply isn't a point. I am not saying Teague is the end all be all of point guards, but you have watched Lou play. Do YOU really think he could be the long-term fixture at PG with his shakey handles, lack of vision and horrid defense?

I love him as a offensive guard. Not running the team.

[Skyhawk1]

I'm ok with Lou as a starter. His ability to shoot and mainly get to the free throw line are important to me. No one else on this team gets to the FT line, and when they do they shoot like 50%. His defense suddenly doesn't look so bad when he plays along with Josh and Al. I would keep him starting.

[Jamaaliver]

I am neutral on Lou as PG. Just posing the question for now.

But there was a huuuuge difference between his court vision and passing from the Friday night game to the Saturday night game. I believe the coaching staff had to have showed him some video of all the open teammates he missed in CLE. Thus the next game he gains 8 assists in the first quarter alone.

If Lou can make that much of an adjustment in a single day, I believe there's more potential for him to handle the ball more.

It also didn't hurt that Josh was out and Lou got to be the secondary ballhandler in his abscence.

[dms269]

Lou isn't a point guard, he doesn't have the ball skills.
He is also not a sg, he doesn't have the size.

Once again, he should have went to college and learned some ball skills. That offense did run through him at South Gwinnett but they also had a point guard (Mercer). He needed that experience which would have helped him greatly.

I like him in the Crawford role off the bench.

[Rip2137]

I am neutral on Lou as PG. Just posing the question for now.

But there was a huuuuge difference between his court vision and passing from the Friday night game to the Saturday night game. I believe the coaching staff had to have showed him some video of all the open teammates he missed in CLE. Thus the next game he gains 8 assists in the first quarter alone.

If Lou can make that much of an adjustment in a single day, I believe there's more potential for him to handle the ball more.

It also didn't hurt that Josh was out and Lou got to be the secondary ballhandler in his abscence.

Most of those assist were "swing the ball" assist. Thats not vision, thats basic basketball. He did have 3-4 assist off Pick and rolls though,a nd that was nice, if you don't count the 8-9 he missed because he didn't pass the ball.

I like the guy and he can play the point in spurts, but EVEN if we don't keep Teague, I would want them to go out and get even a average guard to take over instead of moving Lou to the starter at that position.



As for him starting, I hope they don't start him tonight against the Rockets. Unless you use him to guard Parsons and try to sucker the Rockets into playing outside their norm, he can't guard Harden, or Lin for that matter.

[parson]

Lou's not a PG and he's not able to defend most SGs very well. He is a great scoring guard, however.

Thing is, he and Korver are our best SGs at the moment. Might as well give him major minutes there.

Besides, I'm the guy who believes in player development. Lou might LEARN to play the point (still think Teague's our best bet for that position, though).

[Jamaaliver]

Fair enough. You guys make great points and I concede.

Sounds like Sweet Lou's time as a starter is limited. Until either this win streak is over or until Devin & Deshawn heal up.