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Kenrich Williams is the new Mr. Thunder. As much a pillar of the team as a player.
Which isn’t to knock his on-court contributions. Williams’ year-to-year production has hardly fluctuated. He shoots the same percentages and plays the same rugged brand of basketball.
After the end of each season, The Oklahoman publishes a series of report cards on each of the Thunder’s main roster players. Grades will be curved relative to role and expectations.
Next up: Kenrich Williams.
More: Isaiah Joe report card: Thunder guard's regular-season success didn't carry over
56 games, 15.3 minutes, 6.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 0.6 steals, 47.3% FG, 38.8% 3FG, 63.5% FT
9th: Williams is ninth in Thunder history in games played (362). He’s seven games away from passing Thabo Sefolosha for eighth on the all-time list. Among current players, Williams is only behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (448) and Lu Dort (432).
38.8%: Williams was third in 3-point percentage among Thunder regulars. He’s shot between 37% and 39% from 3 in each of the last four seasons.
63.5%: Williams’ free-throw percentage. Here’s a crazy stat: His free throw percentages have been in the 40s, 50s, 70s and 60s in his last four seasons. For such a steady player, he’s a wildly erratic foul shooter.
25: He scored a career-high 25 points in a February loss at San Antonio. He shot 9 of 18 from the floor and 4 of 7 from 3-point range.
31: Williams is one of two Thunder players in their 30s. He’s about nine months younger than Alex Caruso.
More: Thunder GM Sam Presti fights back against 'bully pulpit' attacking Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Kenrich Williams is the ultimate team guy. A no-maintenance veteran who, without saying much, is one of the most respected guys in the locker room.
Whether he’s playing three minutes or 23 minutes, Williams’ attitude doesn’t change. He’s always Kenny Hustle.
Williams has turned into a long-relief option in the regular season. He plays a lot when the Thunder is shorthanded, and he’s versatile enough to fill multiple positions — whether it be on the wing or as a small-ball five.
He’s a reliable 3-point shooter and defender.
Another plus: He really likes Oklahoma City.
“It’s no secret that I want to be here until I’m done playing,” Williams said in his exit interview.
The Thunder has to decide on Williams’ $7.2 million team option for next season.
More: Here's what OKC Thunder GM Sam Presti said during end-of-season news conference
For as solid as Kenrich Williams is in the regular season, he’s hardly ever a factor come playoff time. That says more about the Thunder’s depth than anything.
He played in 11 of the Thunder’s 15 playoff games this season, averaging 6.5 minutes per game. Most of those minutes were in mop-up time.
Grow out the shag? Acquire an even larger undershirt? Expand his baseball cap collection?
Williams has things pretty well figured out.
Williams played well in his limited role. He kept his teammates in line.
You know exactly what you’re getting from No. 34. He’s a pro.
Last season’s grade: B
Joe Mussatto is a sports columnist for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Joe? Email him at [email protected]. Support Joe's work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Kenrich Williams report card: How Thunder veteran graded out
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Which isn’t to knock his on-court contributions. Williams’ year-to-year production has hardly fluctuated. He shoots the same percentages and plays the same rugged brand of basketball.
After the end of each season, The Oklahoman publishes a series of report cards on each of the Thunder’s main roster players. Grades will be curved relative to role and expectations.
Next up: Kenrich Williams.
More: Isaiah Joe report card: Thunder guard's regular-season success didn't carry over
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Kenrich Williams by the numbers
56 games, 15.3 minutes, 6.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 0.6 steals, 47.3% FG, 38.8% 3FG, 63.5% FT
9th: Williams is ninth in Thunder history in games played (362). He’s seven games away from passing Thabo Sefolosha for eighth on the all-time list. Among current players, Williams is only behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (448) and Lu Dort (432).
38.8%: Williams was third in 3-point percentage among Thunder regulars. He’s shot between 37% and 39% from 3 in each of the last four seasons.
63.5%: Williams’ free-throw percentage. Here’s a crazy stat: His free throw percentages have been in the 40s, 50s, 70s and 60s in his last four seasons. For such a steady player, he’s a wildly erratic foul shooter.
25: He scored a career-high 25 points in a February loss at San Antonio. He shot 9 of 18 from the floor and 4 of 7 from 3-point range.
31: Williams is one of two Thunder players in their 30s. He’s about nine months younger than Alex Caruso.
More: Thunder GM Sam Presti fights back against 'bully pulpit' attacking Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
The good
Kenrich Williams is the ultimate team guy. A no-maintenance veteran who, without saying much, is one of the most respected guys in the locker room.
Whether he’s playing three minutes or 23 minutes, Williams’ attitude doesn’t change. He’s always Kenny Hustle.
Williams has turned into a long-relief option in the regular season. He plays a lot when the Thunder is shorthanded, and he’s versatile enough to fill multiple positions — whether it be on the wing or as a small-ball five.
He’s a reliable 3-point shooter and defender.
Another plus: He really likes Oklahoma City.
“It’s no secret that I want to be here until I’m done playing,” Williams said in his exit interview.
The Thunder has to decide on Williams’ $7.2 million team option for next season.
More: Here's what OKC Thunder GM Sam Presti said during end-of-season news conference
You must be registered for see images attach
The bad
For as solid as Kenrich Williams is in the regular season, he’s hardly ever a factor come playoff time. That says more about the Thunder’s depth than anything.
He played in 11 of the Thunder’s 15 playoff games this season, averaging 6.5 minutes per game. Most of those minutes were in mop-up time.
Kenrich Williams offseason homework
Grow out the shag? Acquire an even larger undershirt? Expand his baseball cap collection?
Williams has things pretty well figured out.
You must be registered for see images
Kenrich Williams grade: B
Williams played well in his limited role. He kept his teammates in line.
You know exactly what you’re getting from No. 34. He’s a pro.
Last season’s grade: B
Joe Mussatto is a sports columnist for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Joe? Email him at [email protected]. Support Joe's work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Kenrich Williams report card: How Thunder veteran graded out
Continue reading...
