How Alan Williams’ return can energise the Phoenix Suns
The man they nickname ‘Big Sauce’ could make his season debut this week.
Mar 18, 2018
Anyone who is nicknamed ‘Big Sauce’ has got to have one heck of a personality.
For the Phoenix Suns, that man is Alan Williams, and he could make his long-awaited season debut this week.
Williams, who has become somewhat of a fan-favorite in the Valley has been sidelined with a knee injury since September but is expected to make his return to the court against the Golden State Warriors on Saturday
Not just a cheerleader
Now anyone who has seen Williams’ courtside theatrics over the past couple of seasons will know just how energetic and vibrant the 25-year-old is. He has earned a reputation of being the best cheerleader in the NBA due to his crazy celebrations. But he is so much more than that.
The PF/C averaged 7.4 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks per contest last season, but was a revelation after the All-Star Break – averaging 11.4 points and 9.1 rebounds in 24 games to earn himself a 3 year/$17 million deal.
Unfortunately for the Suns, they are yet to see production out of his contract this season, but that all could be about to change soon.
The Timeline
At 25 years of age, Williams fits right into the Suns’ timeline’, as they build for the future around young talent Josh Jackson, Elfrid Payton, Dragan Bender and Devin Booker.
With only 57 career games to his name, the Arizona native still has time to figure out his role as an NBA player, and he is in the perfect place for it.
The Suns are in a youth movement where winning is not a priority. It is the perfect place for Williams to be during this stage of his career, and as a local, he lives and breathes the Suns.
Hustle
Williams’ performances last season led to him being awarded the Majerle Hustle Award – and hustle is something the Suns could do with on the court.
No team in the NBA has given up more than Phoenix’s 113.7 points per game, with the New Orleans Pelicans’ 111.7 the next most.
An extra big man will give the Suns’ a much-needed defensive boost down the stretch as they look to end the season on a high.
Hometown pride
Want to know the best part about all of this? Williams is itching to get back on the court, and to be honest, can you blame him?
Having been sidelined for the best part of six months after a breakout 2016-17, big things were expected of Williams this season.
Finally, he will get the chance to prove himself.
He won’t turn the Suns around, and his return doesn’t make them a contender.
But what he will do, however, is play basketball with pride, passion and a smile on his face as he represents the city he grew up in.
Just sit back and enjoy the ride
Whether Williams makes his season debut this week remains to be seen, but one thing we know is we can’t wait to see ‘Big Sauce’ do his thing both on and off the court.
[zombify_post]
.jpg){kind=link}