Posted by Brian Windhorst
The Atlanta Hawks won their fifth straight game last night, dropping the Pacers, to move to -- get this -- fourth in the Eastern Conference. Josh Smith is having a career year, Joe Johnson is headed to the All-Star Game and is red hot as the current Player of the Week, and the Atlanta Journal Constitution's Sekou Smith says the Hawks are the biggest surprise of the NBA so far. Since our esteemed blog host and Portland Trail Blazer backer is off on vacation, I'll kindly not dispute that.
Yet maybe being overshadowed is what looks to be a breakout season for the oft-cursed No. 2 pick in 2005, Marvin Williams. The Hawks' front office isn't out of the woods yet for passing on the likes of Deron Williams and Chris Paul, but Marvin Williams is quietly showing his massive promise at the tidy age of 21. After his 14-point, five-rebound and five-assist night, Williams is averaging 16.7 points, 5.7 rebounds and, the biggie, shooting an astounding 50 percent from the field in his third season. He's also second on the Hawks in steals at 1.2 per game.
Not only has Williams filled out quite a bit since he arrived fresh faced from North Carolina, but he's starting to figure out where he belongs in the league. He's quit taking 3-pointers and focused on becoming a pure mid-range shooter. Most of his shots come within the Hawk offense, as defenders focus more on the slashing talents of Johnson and Smith. Also, scouts tell me, he's made strides at the defensive end as well. He's had to listen to whispers of "bust" as Paul and Deron Williams joined Team USA and put up dazzling numbers in their first two seasons as he's toiled on terrible team cutting his teeth. Now, Marvin may very well be on his way to being a star, too.
Being hot in December is fun but not always meaningful in the NBA. Perhaps the Hawks are not yet ready for primetime, but then again maybe they are. If you listen to people that evaluate the league for a living, Williams may be on that same track.
Those of us who cover the league often talk of the 2005 draft. The Bucks' decision to go big ahead of overall talent in taking Andrew Bogut No. 1, the risk and maybe big reward of Andrew Bynum, and, of course, Deron and CP3. Even though Paul is ripping up the league -- he dropped 40 on the Grizz last night -- my personal opinion is I liked taking Deron Williams first because of his size. But Paul is a budding superstar, too, and the contrary perspective is respected. The thing is, Marvin Williams' name is almost never brought up. Maybe that is going to change.
