Derrick Williams wants to replace LeBron in Cleveland
May 18, 2011, 3:11 PM | Updated: Jun 7, 2011, 3:56 pm
Arizona Wildcat forward Derrick Williams isn’t lacking confidence. As a matter of fact, it appears he has an overabundance of it.
In a statement after finding out Tuesday night that the Cleveland Cavaliers would have the first pick in the NBA Draft, Williams shared why he’d be the best option with the first pick.
“I think I’m the No. 1 pick because I have more star quality I would think,” the small forward said to ESPN. “I’m just a bigger person. Just trying to fill in for a big star like LeBron like they’re missing. That missing piece. I think that’s me.”
Living in Arizona we all got a chance to see Williams play at the University of Arizona but no one once thought ‘that guy is the next LeBron James’ (that is anyone that wasn’t a complete UA homer).
No one can deny his athleticism and his basketball ability but to say he can fill the void left in Cleveland by LeBron’s departure seems like a bit of a stretch. Should he be considered as the No. 1 pick in the draft? Certainly. Should he be viewed as a replacement for LeBron James? Definitely not.
The player he’s battling for a chance to be selected first overall, Duke’s Kyrie Irving, took a slightly different tact when asked about how he compares to James.
“I don’t think you could actually make comparisons to me and LeBron, because 1) I’m not 6-8, and 2) I’m not a high flyer. And 3) my name isn’t LeBron James,” he said. “I don’t think you can make those comparisons yet – I think I bring a different feel to the Cleveland organization if they do decide to pick me there.”
That seems like a more logical response than Williams. Are the Cavs looking for a brash young forward who wants to take LeBron’s place or are they looking for a young guard to build around? Williams, Irving and the rest of us will find out on June 23rd.
