I like Reggie Williams a lot.

I like Reggie Williams’ story even more.

Reggie Williams, who was once the NCAA’s leading scorer, was overlooked by NBA scouts because he played at a small school (VMI) that played at a faster pace than even the Warriors. He continued to be overlooked at numerous draft camps and tryouts, failing to impress any team enough to give him a chance. Williams took that failure and built something out of it. I love that he worked hard. I love that he went to the NBDL and waited for a chance in the NBA. I love that he is seizing that opportunity now that it’s here.

Reggie Williams is so much better than I expected him to be. He’s talented enough that he has a definite future as a rotation player in the NBA. But, I have to stop the hyperbole there. I read someone’s blog (sorry feltbot) and he wrote that not only was Williams going to stick it out in the NBA, but he was going to be a star.

So you don’t think I’m picking on feltbot, he writes a great blog and does some outstanding work for goldenstateofmind.com. Please go read both blogs.

I’m sorry. I don’t see it. I know that Williams does some really fun things out there on the court. I know that the way he plays is invigorating to watch. He’s so easy to like. But he’s not a star now and I can’t see him ever reaching that level in the NBA.

The problem with Williams is his size and his defense. That’s always been his problem. That’s why he wasn’t drafted. He has overcome that enough to make a future for himself in this league, but only as a rotation player. Williams is not a point forward (sorry feltbot, but his handle is not nearly strong enough to play that position). He is not a shooting guard. He is a small forward. But he is 6-foot-6 and under 200 pounds. Lateral quickness? He doesn’t have it. He plays hard and deserves a lot of credit for that, but his defense will always be a liability. I like Williams, but to say he’s going to be a star doesn’t make a lot of sense. Stars can get it done on both ends of the court. Williams doesn’t fit that description.

If you have to choose between Williams and Kelenna Azubuike next season (and that’s a choice that will have to be made), you go with Azubuike. If he’s healthy, he’s just as gifted offensively as Williams, but he’s a better defensive player.

Since Williams joined the team 13 games ago, the Warriors are allowing 120.7 points per game (more than eight points higher than their already very high season average) and have won three times. That’s not entirely a coincidence.