How Marvin Williams Has Changed the Hawks
When Marvin Williams was at UNC, there was so much about his game to like. He was incredibly efficient, playing the fewest minutes among the Tar Heels’ big four (Sean May, Raymond Felton, Rashad McCants, and Williams), but still putting up solid numbers when he was on the floor. He was the type of prospect that Jay Bilas would fall in love with. He could finish, he could shoot, he could defend, and he had size.
But then when Marvin went from UNC’s bench to the League, something didn’t translate. Though he was putting up decent numbers, and continuing to shoot a good percentage from the field, he seemingly couldn’t adjust to the NBA three-point line. He went from netting 43% of his tries from deep as a Tar Heel to making 25 three’s combined over his first three years in the L. Last year, he was almost afraid to miss a three, attempting only ten over the course of the season.
Clearly Marvin set out this offseason to do something about expanding his game. He’s come out as hot as anyone in the NBA from deep, knocking down 11 of his first 17 tries. He’s now giving your fantasy team almost 1.5 three’s per game. And he’s another reason that the Hawks got off to a hot start – even if they can’t figure out how to beat the Nets.
In fact, one of the biggest differences for the Hawks this season has been their three-point shooting across the board. Last year they finished 27th in the League in three’s made, and didn’t have anyone aside from Joe Johnson or Mike Bibby who made more than 0.9 per game (Tyronn Lue). Now, both Johnson and Bibby are above last year’s level, while Williams and Flip Murray are combining to add another three treys per game. Add in that those two are hitting at a preposterous clip (64.7% and 48.3% respectively) and it’s easy to see why things are really opening up for Joe Johnson.
November 17th, 2008 at 11:09 am
loganlight says:
Good post. Marvin is a great talent and I’m glad to see that the Hawks have used him and let him grow into himself… Unfortunately here is another case for staying in college four years.
LL
November 17th, 2008 at 11:11 am
Kobeef says:
This season is huge for Marvelous and for the Hawks. I like Marvin but the best thing that can happen to the Hawks and him is for him to have a breakout season and then get signed and traded next year for a true Center or replacement for Bibby. Al Horford would be better off as a PF and JSmoove is best as a SF.
November 17th, 2008 at 12:10 pm
Dime Magazine says:
Kobeef – Would you be cool with a Hawks team that starts Acie Law at the one then?
- AK
November 17th, 2008 at 3:17 pm
Diego says:
Love that Marvin has developed over the off-season a (very accurate) 3-point shot. I am really starting to finally come around on Marvin.
Re-sign Marvin. Atlanta needs him. Atlanta’s once bottomless cup of swingmen will be pretty empty without him. (Al Harrington gone; Chill gone; Smoove and Horford are big guys. Smoove just is not a small forward (either on offense or defense)–at best, some form of big/small forward.)
Don’t re-sign Bibby. Bibby is making about $14.5 million this year; don’t re-sign him; sign Marvin; and you still have some $ to play with.
November 17th, 2008 at 4:24 pm
dagwaller says:
I would re-sign Bibby if he’s looking to have a Sam Cassell-type impact. Not that he’s THAT old yet, but I just want Bibby taking big shots, mentoring younger players, an managing the game – not taking 15-20 shots a game anymore.
November 17th, 2008 at 6:56 pm
JCARR says:
Marvin is making the most of the SF/PF position which is rather stacked in that team. He is part of early success
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