Perhaps the biggest surprise of the LA Clippers’ 2017-2018 campaign, Lou Williams is returning for another run at the title, and for the chance to once again be named Sixth Man of the Year.
Initial projections had Williams slated to be a Jamal Crawford-type of player in LA, and while he did take over Mal’s old role, he did more than any of us expected.
Williams went on to average more points per game last season (22.6) than any other player on the team, and also dished out a career-high 5.3 assists per game. The 31-year-old’s ability to facilitate was a secret well kept.
Not only will Williams again be the bench’s spark plug, but he’ll likely also be working alongside Gilgeous-Alexander, which could take some pressure off of Sweet Lou to create for others. Instead, with a true point guard like Shai in the rotation, we may see Williams develop more into a catch-and-shoot threat off the bench than in years past. He’ll still get his fair share of touches, though.
After signing a three-year extension in February, Williams made his intentions clear — he’d rather be a Clipper than a ring chaser. That doesn’t mean he won’t be a rumored trade candidate around the time of this season’s trade deadline, as he’s always a hot commodity for teams looking for one final piece. However, it does make me think that the Clippers would be more hesitant to trade him away.
One thing is for sure about Lou’s season — he’s going to score heaps, and it’s going to be a lot of fun to watch him work with this year’s squad.