First on GM Ed Stefanski’s “To Do List” last off-season was hiring a new head coach. In a very close second was figuring out what to do, if anything, with point guard Andre Miller.
Popular opinion was that Miller would cost too much money to keep around on a team that wasn’t ready to compete in the East. Then again, there was a shortage of options to replace him as well.
While the front office mulled over what to do, Lou Williams sat by patiently waiting for the opportunity. He got that opportunity when Andre Miller signed with the Portland Trailblazers.
Many thought Lou Williams wasn’t ready to take on the role of starting point guard for the 76ers. And though it may be early into this young NBA season, Williams has been holding his own. Williams’ slashing athletic style of play is tailor-made for Eddie Jordan’s Princeton offense and it’s shown early. Meanwhile, Andre Miller is averaging just over 8.2 PPG, playing only 25 minutes per game, and has zero starts in Portland.
Williams seems to be adjusting to the new offense better than his teammates. And while the point guard isn’t asked to do the usual point guard duties in this offense it’s important for him to be on point (pun intended.) Eddie Jordan expressed confidence in Williams before the season started, but the Sixers used their 1st round pick on “future” point guard Jrue Holiday. It seemed as if everything and everyone was against Williams being the point guard to build this team around. Williams was point guard by default, or on the “interim” basis.
His play so far has proven that he may just be the point guard to build this team around.
The big question is can Lou continue playing at this level?
I believe not only can he continue to play at this level, I believe he can play even better. Williams was drafted right out of High School and thrown directly into “NBA life.” We forget that Williams is around the age of some NBA rookies, but he’s got four years of NBA experience under his belt. He’s been able to work on his game, learn and improve against the best, the highest level of competition.
So while yes it may be early, we could be watching the beginning of Lou Williams’ coming out party.
-Mike Santa Barbara
*** Follow me on Twitter @Mike__SB ***
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