June 14th, 2011 
Russ Loede 
Posted in 
Williams Is Considered A Tweener
HoopsWorld has linked the Guys in Red with the Minnesota Timberwolves in a possible draft night trade:
The Houston Rockets also have eyes on the #2 pick and Arizona forward Derrick Williams. The Rockets hold the #14 and the #23 and seem open to combining those picks, however Minnesota is said to want a veteran player for their troubles and Houston is not there yet on moving a roster piece to move up, but they are said to be in the running should Minnesota decide to deal. The Rockets have made it clear they will address their gap at small forward in the first round, so if you are mocking out the draft at home pencil in a small forward at #14.
Just like last year (DeMarcus Cousins), the Rockets are attempting to move up to the #2 spot in order to acquire a scorer on the front line.
At 6-foot-9, 248 pounds, Williams’ game reminds many draft experts of Michael Beasley, who plays for Minnesota. Much debate has been over whether or not he’s a small or a power forward:
“I am not a power forward, I want to clear that up,” Williams said. “I am a small forward who can play the four—I think that’s a big difference, between power forward, small forward and an in-betweener. I am a small forward that can play the four. I am not going to shy away from going into the post if I have a mismatch—that is what I did this season. I had a lot of mismatches—slower guy, I take him outside and drive past him; smaller guy, I am going to be able to post him up.”
If I’m the Rockets I stay away from Williams because he’s not a home run pick at #2. A difference maker, he is not. Too many similarities to Beasley, who’s an above-average scorer at best. Houston’s GM Daryl Morey desires a sure-fire All-Star caliber player in this draft, however, there’s too many doubts surrounding the forward from Arizona to consider him that type of player.
Tags: 
[...] To find out more about the trade rumors go to Rockets Gab [...]
Draft Gurus,
This message is for everyone who is interested in participating in Slam Dunk Central’s 2011 NBA Mock Draft.
It’s very simple and easy. For those who want in, pick a team. You are the GM. We will be covering all teams and both rounds (the second round is still important).
If you are down for picking up a team and making that certain team’s draft picks as the GM, then respond back as soon as you can. The draft is next Thursday, June 23.
Also, trades between GM’s are encouraged!
Thank You,
Russ Loede
Site Editor
Slam Dunk Central