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"Although Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim said his former
point guard, and recent Sixer selection, Michael Carter-Williams can’t really
be compared to any current player due to his rare combination of size and
speed, we are going to try anyway.
While his game may not cleanly compare to one other
individual, you can see traits of others reflected throughout his game, some
good, and some not as promising.
The sheer size he brings to the point guard spots
reminds me of one of the premier players to ever play the position; Magic Johnson.
Important to note: Before I am crucified by
commenter’s, I am not suggesting that Carter-Williams will be nearly as good or
successful as Magc, I am simply stating that size-wise they are similar.
While Magic was closer to 6’9’’ and Carter-Williams
stands at a solid 6’6’’, like Magic Carter-Williams has the ability to see over
most opposing point guards, allowing him advanced court vision and view.
While the height is helpful, you have to be able to
utilize it, and Carter-Williams, like Magic, is a pinpoint passer, as he
averaged 7.4 assists per game at Syracuse last season.
Image from: SBNation.com |
While he said he sees himself as a point guard on
the offensive end, he has the ability to defend multiple positions on the
defensive end, adding to his versatility.
Magic Johnson isn’t the only NBA all-star I see
flashes of in MC-W, as parts of his game really remind me of current Celtics
star, Rajon Rondo, and not just the
fact that neither can shoot consistently. Like Rondo, Carter-Williams has an
extremely quick first step and can get into the lane at will, often ending a
possession with an assist. While he needs to develop his decision-making, he is
still very young, and this should improve with experience. His proclivity for
steals on the defensive end are also reminiscent of Rondo, as is his rebounding
ability at the point guard position.
Not all comparisons are as promising as Magic
Johnson or Rajon Rondo however. Another comparison that is almost impossible to
ignore is Shaun Livingston, who
Carter-Williams resembles in size and ability. Neither can shoot exceptionally
well, but both have the benefit of size and speed. Carter-Williams is a more
dedicated defender, and still has the ability to improve his shot.
The fear
here however is that, like Livingston, Carter-Williams may be balanced, but not
dominant enough at individual aspects to lead a team, like the Sixers clearly
intend for him to do. While Livingston has had a long NBA career because he is
multi-talented, not to mention the fact that he had to overcome a serious leg injury, but he has bounced around to several teams without ever developing
into a true difference-maker; and it is safe to say that it not what the Sixers
want from Carter-Williams.
While there is certainly still uncertainty, some
aspects of Carter-Williams game compare favorably to some of the league’s
elite. It will of course depend on his development, but Carter-Williams seems
ready to put in the work, and excited for the opportunity."
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