News: Timberwolves forward Derrick Williams worked hard last offseason to lose weight, with the intention of playing more small forward next to All-Star power forward Kevin Love. Unfortunately, Williams barely saw time in that role (just one percent of the team's total minutes, per 82games.com), as Love's season ended after 18 games due to a series of injuries to his hand. Still, Williams has made significant improvements to his game in his second season, improving his three-point stroke and averaging 11.7 points per game with 5.5 rebounds through 78 games. Coach Rick Adelman told the Star-Tribune Thursday that he thinks Williams still has a future next to Love in the starting lineup. "That’s something we’re still going to look at," Adelman said. "I think he can play there, but it’s about understanding what you have to do at each position. If he’s playing small forward, he has to be aggressive and go to the basket and post up."
Analysis: Williams has had little success working out of the post this season, with just 4.4 percent of his possessions defined as post-ups by MySynergySports.com. He is shooting just 33.3 percent on his 30 post-up shots. Williams has developed a better jump shot, which should help him in any move towards the shorter end of the lineup spectrum; he is shooting 32.8 percent on three-pointers, compared to just 26.8 percent as a rookie. Williams has been disappointing overall for a No. 2 overall pick, and trade rumors continue to circle around him heading into his third season. If he stays in Minnesota, Fantasy owners will likely want to consider him just a late-round Fantasy option on Draft Day, though one who still has considerable upside.
News: Minnesota power forward Derrick Williams matched his career high in scoring on Sunday night against Chicago. He led the Timberwolves with 28 points and hauled in five rebounds in the 104-97 loss. He went 11 for 18 from the floor, including 3 for 5 from downtown, and made 3 of 4 free throws. Williams, who played 38 minutes, also chipped in with two steals and two blocks in the defeat.
Analysis: Williams entered Sunday averaging 14.2 points and 5.2 rebounds in the previous five contests as he also scored 28 points a week ago. He has made some steady progress in his second season out of Arizona but still lacks the consistency to be considered a solid contributor in Fantasy. Consider Williams as more of a low-end option in most formats at this point.
News: Timberwolves forward Derrick Williams dropped in a career-high 28 points during Sunday's contest against the Hornets. Williams went 9 of 16 from the field, including 3 of 5 from downtown, in the 97-95 win and also added seven rebounds, one block and one steal to his stat line, while logging 37 minutes of game action. "I really feel like I'm getting a lot of my confidence back," Williams said. "Not just shooting, just overall. A lot of people have a lot of faith in me as well."
Analysis: While it has taken much longer than most anticipated, Williams is finally starting to perform like the former No. 2 overall draft pick that he was back in 2011. The 21-year-old has now scored in double figures in each of his last 12 games and is averaging 18.6 points and 7.8 rebounds over that span on 46 percent shooting from the field. He continues to earn starts at power forward in place of the injured Kevin Love, so owners should continue to roll with him as a viable start, while he is producing like this.
News: Timberwolves forward Derrick Williams enjoyed a solid performance in Sunday's contest against the Mavericks. Williams went 7 of 17 shooting from the field and 4 of 5 from the free throw line as he nearly picked up a double-double. He finished with 18 points and nine rebounds in a 100-77 blowout loss. He also chipped in with three assists while logging 37 minutes of game action.
Analysis: Williams continues to pick up the pace for the lethargic Wolves, as he has scored in double figures in each of the last eight games. While he is averaging 19.3 points and 9.1 rebounds per game, the 21-year-old has only converted 43.8 percent of his shots over that eight-game span. Williams has emerged as a solid starting option in most Fantasy formats while Kevin Love remains sidelined.
News: Minnesota power forward Derrick Williams had a monster performance on Monday night despite losing to the Miami Heat. Williams scored a team-high 25 points for the Wolves as he went 10 of 22 from the field over 45 minutes. Williams, who was 1 for 3 from 3-point range, grabbed 10 rebounds for a double-double. He added an assist and went 4 for 4 from the free throw line.
Analysis: Williams has topped 20 points in four of his last five games and has double figures in rebounds in three of those contests. He's been averaging 21.4 points and 10 rebounds per game over his last five contests and that comes with a block and 3-pointer as well. Williams has really emerged as a must-start Fantasy option, especially since Kevin Love has been out.
News: Minnesota power forward Derrick Williams turned in his third double-double in the last five games on Tuesday night against Phoenix. He led the Timberwolves with 21 points and hauled in 12 rebounds in the 84-83 loss. He went 8 for 16 from the floor, including 2 for 6 from downtown, but made just 3 of 10 free throws. Williams also posted two steals and a block while playing 40 minutes in the defeat.
Analysis: Williams entered Tuesday averaging 17.2 points with 9.2 rebounds in the previous five contests as he has picked up his play of late. He shot nearly 36 percent from beyond the arc and 44 percent overall during that stretch and is showing no signs of slowing down. The former No. 2 overall pick is playing well enough to be active in more than the 39 percent of CBSSports.com leagues he currently is. Owners in need of some help should consider adding Williams.
News: Minnesota power forward Derrick Williams had an excellent performance on Sunday afternoon despite the Wolves losing at home to Golden State by one point. Williams led the way for Minnesota with 23 points on 9 of 15 shooting. He doubled up with 12 rebounds and added a block in the contest.
Analysis: Williams continues to be a little erratic offensively, but when he's on he can be fantastic for Minnesota. Averaging just over 10 points and five rebounds per game this season, the 21-year-old Williams should have a terrific second half of the season. Fantasy owners should be snatching him up as he's going to continue to pick up the slack for the injured Kevin Love.
News: Minnesota forward Derrick Williams played well on Wednesday as the Wolves opened the second half of the NBA season with a home win over Philadelphia. Williams hit two 3-pointers and went 7 of 12 from the field overall through 36 minutes to score 17 points. He grabbed eight rebounds and added an assist and steal in the performance.
Analysis: Williams had been taking his game to another level just before the All-Star break, averaging 16.0 points per game over that span. It appears he'll continue to that progress in the second half of the season. Williams has become a reliable 3-point shooter for a power forward and he's also picked up his rebounding. He should be active in a large majority of deeper Fantasy formats right now.
News: Timberwolves forward Derrick Williams had his best game of the season Wednesday against the Jazz, as he posted season highs in both points and rebounds in a 97-93 loss. He scored 24 points on 7 of 17 shooting, with a pair of three-pointers and an 8-for-11 showing at the free-throw line. He also snagged a career-high 16 rebounds in the game, just five games after matching his career-high of 12. Williams added a blocked shot and only turned the ball over once in 37 minutes.
Analysis: It has been a frustrating road, but Williams is starting to show the talent that made him such a highly sought after prospect coming out of college. Over the last five games, Williams is averaging 16.0 points and 9.0 rebounds per game, despite shooting just 42.4 percent from the field. He is still trying to figure out how best to harness his talents, and the Timberwolves are able to give him room to learn thanks to the injury to Kevin Love. Williams has long been mentioned in trade rumors, but he is not expected to be moved before the Feb. 21 deadline. Fantasy owners should still consider him a low-end option, but with tons of upside that he might be tapping into.
News: Timberwolves power forward Derrick Williams recorded his third double-double of the season on Wednesday night against the Spurs. He scored 15 points and hauled in a career-high 12 rebounds in the 104-94 loss. He went 5 for 12 from the floor, including 2 for 5 from downtown, and made 3 of 4 free throws. Williams played 28 minutes while making his 11th consecutive start for Minnesota.
Analysis: Williams continues to start with Kevin Love out but his production remains inconsistent. He is averaging 8.2 points with 5.6 rebounds and a steal in the previous five contests on 37 percent shooting. Williams has not quite lived up to being taken No. 2 overall in the 2011 draft so leave him for deeper Fantasy formats at this point.
News: Timberwolves forward Derrick Williams played fewer than 20 minutes for the second game in a row Wednesday against the Clippers, as he struggled with foul trouble. Williams shot 2 of 3 from the field, with one three-pointer, to finish with five points in his 13 minutes. Williams has played 31 minutes combined over the last two games, after playing 31 minutes in his previous game, while grabbing a double-double.
Analysis: Williams has been doing more this time around with the opportunity to start and play big minutes, but he has been unable to break out like we might have expect from the former No. 2 overall pick. He finished the month of January averaging 15.0 points and 4.7 rebounds per game in 15 contests. We keep hoping that Williams will wake up and show the ability that made him so well-regarded coming out of college, but the NBA simply seems to be too much for him right now. He can still be productive, but it is not clear that he is ready to be a major contributor. At this point, he remains more of a low-end Fantasy option.
News: Minnesota power forward Derrick Williams recorded his second double-double of the season on Friday night against Washington. He scored a team-high 18 points and hauled in 11 rebounds in the 114-101 loss. He went 6 for 17 from the floor, including 1 for 3 from downtown, and made 5 of 8 free throws. Williams also chipped in with an assist and a steal while playing 31 minutes in the defeat.
Analysis: Williams has picked up his scoring of late despite dealing with some shooting struggles. He is averaging 13 points with 6.6 rebounds in the previous five contests while shooting 25 percent from beyond the arc and 38 percent overall. The 21-year-old should continue to see steady playing time with Kevin Love out so continue to monitor his progress. Williams remains more of an option for deeper Fantasy formats at this point.
News: Minnesota power forward Derrick Williams made half his shots on Monday afternoon in a loss at Atlanta. Williams scored 17 points to lead all scorers for the Wolves as he went 7 of 14 from the field with a 3-pointer over 37 minutes. Williams grabbed four rebounds and added a steal and a block in the performance.
Analysis: Williams is asserting himself more of offense lately as the Wolves need his scoring with Kevin Love out. He's scored in double figures in three straight games and is beginning to get more consistent from beyond the arc as well. If Williams keeps this up, he'll become viable in plenty of deeper Fantasy formats for as long as Love remains out.
News: Timberwolves forward Derrick Williams replaced Dante Cunningham in the starting lineup Thursday night against the Clippers. He scored 10 points and grabbed seven boards in a 90-77 defeat. He went 3 of 9 shooting from the field, including 0 of 2 from downtown, but a perfect 4 of 4 from the charity stripe. He also chipped in with two blocks, an assist and a steal while logging 31 minutes of game action.
Analysis: Williams' 31 minutes on Thursday were the most he has played since his 23-point performance Nov. 16 against the Warriors. Now that he has been inserted in the starting lineup, the 21-year-old will see his Fantasy value increase. He is shooting 43.2 percent from the field, including 37.9 percent from downtown this season while averaging 12.1 points per game over his last seven games. According to 1500 ESPN Twin Cities, The Wolves are heavily shopping Williams, which may suggest why he is now in the starting lineup -- to boost his trade value. If that's the case, then his Fantasy value will increase as well. Williams may be worth adding in deeper formats as long as he stays in the starting lineup.
News: 1500 ESPN Twin Cities reports the Timberwolves are heavily shopping forward Derrick Williams.
Analysis: Williams has been very disappointing since being selected second overall in the 2011 NBA draft. Obviously, he has had trouble breaking into the rotation at power forward because of Kevin Love. But Love has been sidelined for most of this season with a hand injury and Williams has still been coming off the bench for Minnesota. His minutes have increased again, but after scoring in double figures for three straight games Jan. 5-9 and and threatening to join the starting lineup, Williams hasn't scored in double figures in his last three games. Perhaps a change of scenery would be good for the former first-round pick. As of now, Williams continues to have low-end Fantasy appeal.
News: The Pioneer Press reports Wolves assistant coach Terry Porter said Dante Cunningham will remain in the starting lineup as Kevin Love's replacement, and Derrick Williams will continue to come off the bench. Williams started at power forward at the beginning of the season when Love was sidelined by a hand injury. Now that Love is sidelined another 8-10 weeks because of a setback with his hand injury, Cunningham will get his chance to start. "That's something that hasn't been discussed," Porter said of a possible lineup change during Love's absence. "At this point, there's no change."
Analysis: Cunningham might be logging more minutes than Williams since Love exited the lineup again, but it's not like Williams isn't thriving coming off the bench. In three games since Love has been sidelined, Williams has scored in double figures and is averaging 16.3 points per game in that span. He also had a double-double Wednesday at Oklahoma City, totaling 14 points and grabbing 11 rebounds, and has found his range as a shooter. His field goal percentage in the last three games is 52.6 percent, including 55.6 percent from 3-point range. Fantasy owners might want to take a flier on Williams before it's too late since it seems he's adjusting well to elevated minutes off the bench.
News: Timberwolves forward Derrick Williams turned in another productive performance as he scored in double figures for the second consecutive game Tuesday night against the Hawks. Williams came up big off the bench and scored 17 points on 7 of 13 shooting from the field, including 3 of 5 from downtown in a 108-103 victory. He also added one rebound and one assist while logging 21 minutes off the bench.
Analysis: Williams logged 20-plus minutes for just the second time in his last 18 games played. With Kevin Love sidelined for a few weeks with a broke hand, Williams might end up seeing more playing time moving forward, especially if he keeps playing like this. He is averaging 17.5 points and 3.5 rebounds in 19.5 minutes played over his last two games played since Love's absence. Hopefully the 2011 No. 2 overall pick can use this game to build some confidence, as the Wolves may need him to pick up the slack off the bench. It may be worth adding Williams in many Fantasy leagues, with the hopes that he can step up in the next few weeks. That said, Fantasy owners should still consider him a risky start moving forward.
News: Timberwolves forward Derrick Williams struggled to find much playing time early on Saturday against the Nuggets, but he came up big late in a game they narrowly lost to the Trail Blazers. Williams played 18 minutes, including nearly the entire fourth quarter, scoring 16 points on 6 of 10 shooting. He went 2 for 3 from three-point range and 4 for 5 from the free-throw line. Williams added six rebounds and two steals, though he also turned the ball over three times, in a 102-97 loss. Williams might end up seeing more playing time moving forward thanks to his performance Saturday, as the team announced that Kevin Love suffered another hand injury, and will be out indefinitely.
Analysis: Williams keyed the team to a big run, as they cut a 22-point lead down to four points at one point in the fourth quarter. Hopefully the 2011 No. 2 overall pick can use this game to build some confidence, as the Wolves may need him to pick up the slack in Love’s absence. Williams is averaging just 10.0 points per game over the last five games, however he may end up seeing an increase in minutes. It might be worth snagging Williams in many Fantasy leagues, with the hopes that he can step up in the next few weeks. For now, he remains a risky Fantasy start, given his inconsistent play.
News: Timberwolves forward Derrick Williams played a limited role Wednesday against the Jazz, as he continues to be used as just a reserve off the bench. Williams scored seven points on 2 of 5 shooting in 18 minutes, while adding two rebounds, one assist, two blocks and two steals. The Timberwolves dropped the game, 106-84.
Analysis: Williams remains a tremendous bust since being selected with the No. 2 pick in last year’s draft, and this year has gone even worse for him. After averaging 8.8 points and 4.7 rebounds per game as a rookie, he has fallen to 8.2 points and 4.3 boards this season. Williams is struggling to find playing time behind Kevin Love, and should be ignored in the majority of Fantasy formats.
News: Timberwolves forward Derrick Williams’ disappointing second season continued Wednesday, as he played just 17 minutes in a loss to the Rockets. Williams scored nine points on 3 of 7 shooting in the game, the fifth game in a row that he has failed to score in double figures. Williams grabbed four rebounds in the game, while making two three-pointers in an 87-84 loss.
Analysis: Williams has reached double digits in just two of 10 games in the month of December, while averaging just 13.1 minutes per game. Williams’ offense potential remains clear, if inconsistently-utilized. Unfortunately, there seems to be little room for the 2010 No. 2 overall pick to play on a Minnesota team that has its eyes set on the playoffs. He remains a prime candidate for a trade, and that would be pretty much the only way for him to salvage his Fantasy value. At this point, Williams is not worth starting outside of deeper Fantasy formats.
News: Minnesota power forward Derrick Williams is averaging just 12.5 minutes per game over his last five contests. Williams saw 10 minutes Monday in a loss at Orlando. He scored four points and added four boards and one steal. Williams went 2 for 3 in the game and missed his only 3-point attempt.
Analysis: Williams scored 16 points with six boards over 19 minutes in Saturday's win over Dallas. He was back to minimal minutes Monday, however, and simply isn't contributing anything consistently for Fantasy owners. He can be left on benches in all Fantasy leagues until something gives for him.
News: Minnesota power forward Derrick Williams scored in double figures on Tuesday and was one of seven players to do so against Philadelphia. Williams dropped 10 points over 16 minutes as he shot 3 of 5 from the field and hit three 3-pointers. He added four rebounds in the 105-88 win.
Analysis: The 16 minutes that Williams played Tuesday constitute his highest total in his last five games for the Wolves. He is scoring in single digits on the year but does rebound well for a player who should only be active in the deepest of Fantasy leagues.
News: Timberwolves forward Derrick Williams was able to return to the floor Saturday against the Warriors, after earning consecutive DNP - coach’s decisions after Kevin Love’s return from injury. Williams played just 11 minutes in the game, but provided a nice spark off the bench. He scored 10 points on 4 of 6 shooting, with a pair of three-pointers made. He added a steal, two blocks and a turnover in a 96-85 loss.
Analysis: Williams' star dimmed quiet a bit with Love's return, so it is good to see that coach Rick Adelman is looking for ways to get him on the floor. He will probably struggle to see consistent minutes, but at least he won't be glued to the bench permanently. Williams has improved his three-point shooting this season, so hopefully he can begin to see a few more minutes at the small-forward spot. Williams is worth hanging on to in deeper Fantasy formats on the chance that his huge potential starts to shine. But he is likely not worth starting in most formats at this time.
News: Coming off his best performance of the season, Timberwolves forward Derrick Williams’ immediate future seemed to be looking up. Unfortunately, Kevin Love made a surprise return from a hand injury Wednesday against the Nuggets, which left Williams as the odd man out in the rotation. Williams earned a DNP - Coach’s Decision in the game, despite the Wolves going with an 11-man rotation.
Analysis: Williams worked hard in the offseason to shed excess weight so he could play beside Love in the front court, so the decision to keep Williams off the floor entirely is certainly a surprising one. The Wolves have much more depth than they did a year ago, but we did not expect to see the former No. 2 pick completely fall out of favor with the team. Williams has improved his three-point shooting to respectable levels this season, making 35.7 percent of them, which we thought would be enough to earn him playing time next to Love. Instead, he was nowhere to be found. His upside makes him worth hanging on to in all Fantasy formats, but we will need to see how the team decides to divvy up minutes before deciding Williams’ value moving forward. For now, it is probably best to keep him on the bench in most formats.
News: Timberwolves forward Derrick Williams had his best performance of the season Friday against the Warriors, but it was just the fourth time in nine tries that he has topped double figures in scoring. Williams poured in 23 points on a very efficient 8 of 16 shooting, including going 1 for 2 on three-point attempts in the game. Williams went 6 for 6 from the free-throw line as well, while adding seven rebounds, two assists and four blocked shots in a 106-98 loss. Williams played 37 minutes, a season high, while turning the ball over three times.
Analysis: Williams’ overall resume is subpar this season, but there are still enough flashes like Friday that show the Wolves the talent that made him a No. 2 overall selection in the draft. He is averaging 10.3 points and 5.7 rebounds in 23.9 minutes per game, though his shot has been inconsistent all year. Even after a solid showing Friday Williams is shooting 35.5 percent from the field. He has improved his outside shot, making 35.7 percent of his three-pointers, while also shooting 77.4 percent from the free-throw line. Williams’ upside remains considerable, but Williams is still more of a low-end Fantasy option at this point.
News: Timberwolves forward Derrick Williams has gotten off to a slow start to his second season in the league, despite having a spot in the starting lineup due to Kevin Love’s injury. Williams finally topped 10 points in a game for the first time Wednesday against the Magic, in the team’s fourth game. He poured in 14 points in 30 minutes, both of which represented season highs. He shot 5 for 10 from the field, 2 for 5 from three-point range and connected on both of his free-throw attempts. Williams added six rebounds, an assist and two steals in a 90-75 win.
Analysis: Williams is still averaging just 10 points per game, but at least this was a sign of life. We were hoping the talented sophomore would get off to a fast start in an increased role, but that has not been how the season has gone so far. It is still early, and Williams’ offensive abilities are certainly noteworthy. If Williams ever figures things out, he will be a worthy Fantasy starting option, but for now consider him more of a reserve player.
News: Minnesota power forward Derrick Williams was given the start for Friday's season opener versus the Kings, reports the Star Tribune. Williams was not expected to be the starter originally but coach Rick Adelman apparently decided otherwise.
Analysis: Williams being the starter benefits his Fantasy value greatly with Kevin Love out around 6-8 weeks with a broken hand. Williams should see a great boost in minutes regardless and as the starter should become a viable Fantasy option in just about all formats. That said, temper expectations a bit as he is still largely unproven in the NBA.
News: Minnesota power forward Derrick Williams may see an immediate boost in value to open the season as All-Star Kevin Love will miss 6-8 weeks of action. Love broke his hand during Wednesday's practice and Williams should see an increase in action down low because of that. Williams averaged 8.8 points and 4.7 rebounds per game as a rookie last season over 66 games.
Analysis: The second-year player out of Arizona made 15 starts last season and will more than likely take over in Love's spot to begin the year. He should see far more than the 21.5 minutes per game he averaged as a rookie while Love is out until at least the middle of November. Williams is still a little unproven, but this gain in value should see him taken beginning in the middle to later rounds in Fantasy drafts depending on the risk owners want to take.
News: Timberwolves forward Derrick Williams was back in the starting lineup on Thursday against the Clippers, and with Kevin Love going down with what looked like a serious head injury on Wednesday, it could be a permanent move for Williams. Williams struggled mightily on Thursday, scoring just four points on 1 of 7 shooting from the field, while adding five rebounds and two blocks on Thursday, as the Wolves fell, 95-82.
Analysis: Williams did not take advantage of the starting opportunity on Thursday, however with Love out and the Wolves chances for the playoffs ending with the loss, they may decide to just ride out the season with Williams as the starter. The Wolves have just six games remaining on the schedule, so Williams won’t have many opportunities to produce, however he is a viable starting Fantasy option if he is getting starter’s minutes.
News: Timberwolves forward Derrick Williams was finally able to knock downs some shots during Sunday night's contest against the Trail Blazers. Williams made eight of his 16 field-goal attempts in the 119-106 victory, finishing with 21 points. He went 5 of 7 from the free-throw line and also added six rebounds and one assist to his stat line, while logging 42 minutes of game action.
Analysis: Williams continues to start because of all the injuries Minnesota is dealing with right now and the rookie has played pretty well for the most part. However, he continues to be extremely streaky with his shooting, which sometimes leads to really good and really bad games. However, there is still plenty of upside with the 20-year-old, so continue to view him as a solid low-end option in deeper formats heading into Week 15.
News: Minnesota power forward Derrick Williams played 41 minutes in Tuesday's loss to Memphis. Unfortunately, Williams did not shoot well as he went just 4 of 15 from the field to score 14 points. He went 1 of 6 from long range and grabbed seven rebounds with one assist.
Analysis: Williams is shooting an ugly 33 percent from the field over his last five games and that has seen him score in double figures just twice over that span. He's getting some rebounds, but Williams is playing like an option only for deeper formats.
News: After a couple of tough games, Timberwolves forward Derrick Williams was back in double figures in scoring on Sunday, as he put up 16 points on 5 of 8 shooting in 32 minutes against the Kings. He hit a couple of three-pointers in the game and also narrowly missed a double-double, finishing the game with nine rebounds, as the Wolves fell, 115-99. Williams played 30-plus minutes for the first time in five games.
Analysis: Williams has seen his role steadily increase this season, and as a result, he is now averaging 11.3 points per game in March, the first month of his career above double figures in scoring. Williams has emerged as a solid low-end Fantasy option, however he could be so much more with more minutes. At this point, continue to consider him a decent low-end starter.
News: Timberwolves forward Derrick Williams received a rare, last-minute start on Friday against the Lakers as Kevin Love was a late scratch with a back injury. Williams took full advantage of his opportunity, scoring 22 points and grabbing 10 rebounds in 43 minutes, however he did have a couple of late turnovers and a key miss as the Lakers defeated the Wolves 105-102. Williams ended up shooting 9 of 19 from the field with a three-pointer in the game.
Analysis: At this point, Williams has shown that he can be very effective when he receives minutes. He is averaging 15.1 points and 8.3 rebounds per-36 minutes this season, so he’s been very productive when on the floor. Still, he is averaging just 20.2 minutes per game, and unless Love’s injury lingers for a while, Williams will likely continue to be just a low-end Fantasy option in most formats.
News: Minnesota power forward Derrick Williams came off the bench for another solid performance on Monday night against the Clippers. Williams helped the Wolves beat the Clippers as he scored 15 points over 25 minutes. Williams shot 4 of 9 from the field and hit 3 of 7 from 3-point range. He added nine rebounds and an assist.
Analysis: Williams has scored in double figures in four of his last five games and hit 27 points in the game immediately following the All-Star break against the Clippers. Williams is averaging 14.6 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.0 3-pointers per game over his last five contests. The Wolves are starting to trust Williams more and more and his Fantasy value continues to grow. He can be active in deeper formats already.
News: Minnesota rookie Derrick Williams absolutely went off on Tuesday night in the first game following the All-Star break in Los Angeles. Williams, fresh off his disappointing appearance in the Slam Dunk Contest during NBA All-Star Weekend, Williams owned the Clippers on Tuesday with a season -- and career -- high 27 points. Williams went 9 of 10 from the field and a perfect 4 for 4 from 3-point range in the win. Williams added five rebounds and a blocked shot over 28 minutes.
Analysis: The rookie Williams shattered his previous high for scoring and absolutely owned the fourth quarter. In fact, with Kevin Love on the bench injured and Ricky Rubio not doing much offensively, it was Williams who led the Wolves to a fourth-quarter blowout win. Minnesota might start putting the ball in Williams' hands more often and that will definitely catapult his Fantasy value. This could just be a flash in the pan, but it is definitely something to look out for. Williams has the potential.
News: The Timberwolves went with their reserves for most of the fourth quarter on Wednesday, giving some of the starts a rest before the All-Star break. The beneficiary of this was forward Derrick Williams, who scored nine points and grabbed seven rebounds in just the final frame alone, to help the Wolves come back from a 13-point deficit and win 100-98. With less than a minute left, Williams scored five-straight points for the Wolves, on a three-point play and then with two free throws as he was fouled on a fast-break attempt. Williams said he relishes those big moments. "I like to get put in those clutch situations," Williams said. "I feel a little more comfortable, a little more locked in. At that point in time, I was just like, 'I can't miss these free throws." He finished the game with 13 points and nine rebounds while adding a block in 20 minutes.
Analysis: Williams’ rookie season has been a disappointment for the most part, however he continues to show flashes of the potential that made him the No. 2 overall pick in the 2011 Draft. Wednesday was his first double-digit scoring night in seven games, as he continues to back up All Star Kevin Love. Williams clearly has a high ceiling and could be a star in the NBA one day, but right now Williams is a low-end option in seasonal Fantasy formats. He has more value in long-term keeper formats.
News: FOXSports.com reports a source said Minnesota continues to pursue a trade for Lakers forward Pau Gasol. It's reported the Timberwolves are trying to center a trade around Derrick Williams and draft picks.
Analysis: It's not like the Timberwolves absolutely hate Williams, who was the No. 2 pick in the 2012 draft. It's just that with players like Kevin Love and Michael Beasley in the frontcourt, Williams isn't a key player right now for Minnesota. He does have a high ceiling and could be a star in the NBA one day, but right now Williams is a low-end option in seasonal Fantasy formats. He has more value in long-term keeper formats.
News: Minnesota PF Derrick Williams got 20 minutes off the bench on Monday night in Orlando. Williams shot just 1 of 5 from the field for five points in the performance. He went 3 for 4 from the line and added six rebounds.
Analysis: Williams was scoring in double figures last week but has since failed to accomplish that feat in three straight games. Once Kevin Love returned from suspension, Williams' production dropped, as expected. Williams only has low-end Fantasy value for the time being.
News: Minnesota rookie forward Derrick Williams tied his season highs in points and rebounds on Tuesday night against Sacramento. Williams got the start in place of the suspended Kevin Love and almost logged a double-double. He scored 14 points and grabbed eight boards in his 26 minutes of action. Williams shot 50 percent from the field and went 3 of 8 at the charity stripe. He also chipped in a steal, three blocks and an assist in Minnesota's 86-84 win.
Analysis: Williams will go back to the bench after Love's done serving his suspension, but games like this will earn him more playing time down the road. For now though, the rookie remains a player to hold on to, but not start. He continues to be a low-end Fantasy forward option, despite his nice outing.
News: Minnesota PF Derrick Williams played only seven minutes on Monday night in a win over the Rockets. With Kevin Love, Nikola Pekovic and Michael Beasley playing big minutes, there wasn't much room for Williams. He went 0 for 1 in the game and did not score. He had no other discernible statistics.
Analysis: Beasley has been back strong for two games now and Williams has totaled 17 minutes in those games with just two points on 1 of 5 shooting. It appears Williams will be the odd man out for Minnesota now. His Fantasy value is as low as it has been at the moment for Minnesota.
News: Minnesota PF Derrick Williams got his first start of the season on Monday night against Houston with Wesley Johnson a late scratch with an injury. Williams entered the game averaging just 7.9 points per game on the season over just 19 minutes per game. He was only averaging just under 14 minutes per game in his previous five contests, but saw 37 on Monday against the Rockets in the losing effort. Williams went 3 of 9 from the field and scored 11 points with seven rebounds. He also turned the ball over four times.
Analysis: Williams gives Fantasy owners some rebounds, scoring and low-end 3-point shooting in terms of Fantasy production. Unfortunately, he does nothing at a high level and sees limited minutes usually for the Wolves. The 20-year-old Williams has major upside, however, so Fantasy owners should own him in deeper formats.
News: Minnesota PF Derrick Williams struggled on Wednesday in a come-from-behind win over the Pistons. Williams played just 16 minutes off the bench as he went 2 for 6 from the field to score eight points. Williams added four rebounds and an assist with a block in the game for the Wolves.
Analysis: The rookie out of Arizona actually had his best scoring effort in a while on Wednesday. That said, he's shooting poorly from the field, from deep and from the line and adding just 2.6 rebounds per game over his last five. Williams is not playing well at the moment and can be avoided in most Fantasy formats for the time being. He does have some appeal in deeper formats if he can start playing more consistently.
News: Minnesota forward Derrick Williams has seen his minutes decrease in each of the last five contests. He scored just two points on a 1-for-4 shooting display. Williams missed his lone attempt from downtown and did little else for the Timberwolves. He added one board, one assist and one steal in his eight minutes of court time. Minnesota would lose to Atlanta, 93-91.
Analysis: This was Minnesota's second game in as many nights, but Williams saw just 16 minutes of action on Friday night. Over his last three games Williams has 11 combined points and seven boards. Just a few days ago coach Rick Adelman said he plans to provide more playing time for Williams. We're not sure what the deal is here, but things don't seem right in Minnesota. Williams has plenty of potential and if he can move into the starting lineup his stock should rise. For now, Fantasy owners should view Williams as a low-end forward option.
News: Timberwolves coach Rick Adelman said he plans to provide more playing time to rookie F Derrick Williams, according to the Minneapolis Star Tribune. Adelman said he made the decision after Friday's game against Cleveland, and Williams has totaled 58 minutes in the following two contests. Williams, the second overall pick in the previous NBA draft, is now averaging 22.4 minutes per game overall this season.
Analysis: Williams has responded well to the boost in playing time and has registered at least 13 points and seven rebounds in each outing. Adelman has also discussed the possibility of Williams swapping with F Michael Beasley in the starting lineup. As expected, Williams continues to experience growing pains during his rookie campaign, but he seems to be developing chemistry with his teammates recently. Fantasy owners should view him as a low-end Fantasy F for now, and worthy of an addition if he lands a starting role.
News: Timberwolves first-round pick Derrick Williams tried to show the Cavaliers what they missed out on when they passed him up with the No. 1 pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, and ended up with his second-highest scoring game of the season. Williams scored 12 points on four-of-eight shooting in the 98-87 Timberwolves loss. Williams also may have an opportunity for more playing time as starting small forward Michael Beasley injured his foot at the end of the game and could miss some time. If he does, Williams would likely see an increase in playing time.
Analysis: Williams’ biggest problem this season so far has been limited opportunities. The Wolves have a lot of similar talent on their roster, so Williams has only played more than 20 minutes in a game three times this season. Not coincidentally, those three games were each of his double-digit scoring games. He would be able to average at least 10 points and five rebounds if given 20-plus minutes per night, so monitor his Beasley’s injury to see whether Williams will get a chance to show his worth.
News: Minnesota rookie F Derrick Williams struggled in Tuesday night's 98-95 loss to the Bucks. Williams, who scored 14 points in the Timberwolves' season opener on Monday, finished with just three points on 1 of 3 shooting from the field in the loss. He missed his lone attempt from behind the arc, but was able to chip in with five rebounds and an assist in 19 minutes off the bench.
Analysis: Williams has looked a bit out-of-sync during his first two NBA games, but that is to be expected from the rookie -- especially with the a shortened preseason and training camp. While he is currently blocked by Michael Beasley and Kevin Love at the forward positions, most feel will only be a matter of time before he cracks the starting rotation. Still, he should be in line for at least 20-plus minutes a night coming off the bench, which should allow him to put up some decent stats most night. Consider the rookie more of a low-end option with a ton of upside heading into Fantasy Week 2 (Jan. 2-8).
News: Timberwolves F Derrick Williams shot three of four from three in his NBA preseason debut, as the Wolves beat Milwaukee 117-96. He added two dunks to the long-range barrage as he scored 14 points. He had just two rebounds, as he spent much of his time at the small forward spot.
Analysis: Williams spent a surprising amount of time on the perimeter in his first game, but with the way he was shooting, it was hard to blame him. If he can consistently find a three-point shot, he’s going to create tons of matchup problems, which would certainly bode well for his value. He did make more than half of his three pointers in his senior year at Arizona, so the skill level is certainly there. Williams has tons of offensive potential, but he’s blocked by Michael Beasley and Kevin Love at the forward positions. If he can earn playing time, he may be worth a look in Fantasy leagues, but owners in yearly leagues should probably avoid him on Draft Day.
News: Minnesota finalized its contract with No. 2 overall draft pick Derrick Williams and signed him to his rookie deal. Williams participated in the first three days of the Timberwolves' training camp despite not officially being signed.
Analysis: Williams, a versatile forward from Arizona, is expected to get plenty of minutes in a frontcourt that also includes Kevin Love, Michael Beasley and Anthony Randolph. Fantasy owners in keeper leagues should target him with a late-round selection in 2011-12 drafts.
News: The Sports Xchange reports that when the second-newest member of the Timberwolves went searching for information about the newest one delivered Thursday night, Ricky Rubio went looking where any 20-year-old might go. "I went to YouTube," he said. Likewise for Arizona forward Derrick Williams, the aforementioned newest Timberwolves player, when he wanted to see what Rubio can do. "I've seen a lot of clips of him on there," Williams said. That No. 2 overall pick is the highest the Wolves have ever drafted in their 22 seasons, and for weeks leading into the draft the team seemed intent on dealing it for a veteran player or for two other later picks in the first round. In the days before the draft, various Internet reports suggested they were getting Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum, Lamar Odom, Andre Iguodala, Josh Smith, JaVale McGee and Monta Ellis in some form for that No. 2 pick. Ultimately, the Wolves took Williams -- the 6-8 sophomore forward who singlehandedly destroyed Duke in the first half of an NCAA Tournament Sweet Sixteen game in March -- second after Cleveland selected Duke guard Kyrie Irving first. GM David Kahn said shortly after making the pick that Williams isn't going anywhere even though the Wolves already have forwards Michael Beasley, Anthony Randolph and Wes Johnson.
Analysis: Williams should have the chance to play right away, and don't be surprised if Minnesota goes with a small lineup of Kevin Love at center, Beasley and Williams at forward and Johnson and Rubio at guard if everyone on the current roster remains. We consider Williams a No. 4 Fantasy forward in standard leagues, and he's worth drafting with a late-round pick. In dynasty/keeper leagues, Williams can be drafted with a mid-round selection, and he should be considered a Top 5 option in rookie-only formats.
