Could Elliott Williams play a tad this year?

I know its easy to say as a Blazers fan but I really hope we dont regret letting this kid go. Im wondering if the fact that we dropping Ronnie Price and not him says anything for the long term plans for him.

 

He's played less than 150 games since being drafted. Time to move on, unless it's for peanuts

 

much less

and he will be back for peanuts most likely

 

He's not in position to ask for much.

He's worth retaining, especially when you can likely sign him to the minimum.

 

Im sure you are both right, maybe its just one of those things where I feel like with all of the players we have had injury trouble with one of them is bound to have just been a fluke and turn into a healthy good player. But Im sure thats just more wishiful thinking.

 

He plans on playing in Summer League

http://www.csnnw.com/blog/blazers-talk/williams-play-summer-league-free-agency-attraction

 

I know it's an absolutely tiny sample size (24 games, 149 minutes) and he can't say healthy, but damn this kid is just bursting with potential to be an instant offense guy off the bench - something this team really needs. In 24 games as a rookie, he had a PER of 18.8. Again, VERY limited sample size and totally different role, but that's a higher PER than Rookie Roy or Rookie Lillard and he averaged 21.3 points per 36 minutes. With his athleticism, he'll always be able to create his own shot, which is again, something this team needs (Lillard is the only other player we have who can create his own shot).

If there is any chance he will ever be healthy, and we can get him cheap enough (should be able to), I hope we keep him for at least one more year. He's still only 23. So, he fits in age wise with Batum, Lillard, Leonard, Hickson (if we keep him), Maynor (if we keep him), Claver, etc. Other than the injury issue, I think he has was more upside than anyone we're likely to draft at the tail end of the lottery. Roll the dice and offer him a cheap 2-year contract with the second year a team option. See how he does in summer league and if he can remain relatively healthy and productive for a year, If so, pick up the team option, if not let him walk next year.

BNM

 

If he can indeed hit his shot, then yes he's got great potential. Hope he works on his stroke alot this summer.

 

I like BnM idea of a two year deal with team option for the second year. Could probably get it done for a total of 3m. I want to keep him around one more year just to see if he can become something.

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Well, he has a "career" FG% of .500. Again limited sample size, but he can hit that one-dribble pull-up jumper over anyone.

And yes, since he can't do full contact 5-on-5, working on his jumper is a great way to spend his time between now and summer league.

BNM

 

Not caring about e will like I did in the past. I think we need to set our sights much higher

 

I cant put my finger on it so I guess I will just call it a gut feeling but I am on the "not ready to give up on him" wagon. In the limited time he played the eye test alone screams he could be valuable off of our bench. But I have a feeling some team out there might roll the dice and end up with a gem.

 

It's not that I have given up on him. I just think our team needs to find a consistent, healthy player. Williams may turn out to be a stud; but I think it's time for Portland to move on.

 

I think choosing to release Ronnie Price over Elliott speaks volumes. Hopefully we can sign him cheap and let him prove his worth.

 

I wondered the same thing at the time.

 

Pretty much this. We have 15 roster spots and I doubt we fill the roster to the point we wouldn't have a spot for him.

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True. And I wish him nothing but the best, unless he plays for the lakers