NBA Draft News: Derrick Williams proclaims he is the best player in this class
Derrick Williams, one of the top prospects of the upcoming NBA draft in young, skilled and talented. What apparently he is not, is an admirer, especially when it comes to his fellow draft men.
It seems that Williams might have missed the memo, which urges the players to show admiration for each other. The forward represented Arizona Wildcats in the college basketball and is now expected to be the No. 2 overall pick in
the June 23 draft.
Not impressed by the expected number two slot, the verbose young gun had a message of his own during the media go-rounds on the first day of NBA combines’. Williams said that although Duke point guard Kyrie Irving is being projected
as a No. 1 pick, but he is second to no one.
When asked if he was the top player in the draft he said, "Yes, sir," with a smile. "I definitely am."
Derrick’s biggest rival Irving, however did not forget to praise him. Irving still remembers how Williams and his Wildcats eliminated the Blue Devils from the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) title contention on
March 24. During that Sweet-16 game, Derrick scored his career-high 32 points as Arizona attained an outstanding 93-77 win.
Irving said, "He torched us in the NCAA tournament. Watching him live, it was a great experience to be on the floor with him. He's a great player, 6-8, athletic. His transition to the NBA game will be easy."
In comparison to Williams, Irving was very humble. He used the word “sir” for the reporters quite persistently during his 30-minute session with the media people. During the session Irving also admitted that he was surprised his
foot injury that kept him out of the court for three months in the previous season did not miff his draft stock.
Williams also considers himself "the most NBA-ready guy" in this class of draft. Making such proclamations was the easiest part for Derrick as Irving has just recovered from a toe turf injury. However, it is too early to make such
claims as only time will tell whether he was right or not. The forward seems to be short of being rude but certainly doesn’t mind to ruffle a few feathers.
Williams certainly has big plans. Even Rob Pelinka, the agent he hired, is from Landmark Sports, the same company that happens to represent Kobe Bryant, Carlos Boozer, Gerald Wallace and many other high profile stars. He has already
set his sights on the Rookie of the Year award, even before knowing which team he will be playing for.
Williams might be good, but he is making some huge claims. By doing this he is certainly not making the situation easy for himself.