Heroes of the hometown: The rise of La Mirada's own Derrick Williams from the local legend to the national spotlight

Heroes of the hometown: The rise of La Mirada's own Derrick Williams from the local legend to the national spotlight
Heroes of the hometown: The rise of La Mirada's own Derrick Williams from the local legend to the national spotlight

La Mirada's own Derrick Williams is a story of promise, power and endurance. Williams known for its explosive sportiness and versatility and has made a name for itself from the streets of La Mirada, California, to the professional dishes of the NBA and beyond. This article deals with every detail of his trip, from its high school dominance to his time in the NBA, the international leagues and everything in between. This biography captures the full career that has defined the resilience.

High school dominance – La Mirada High School

Derrick Williams started his basketball trip at La Mirada High School and showed his talent as a 6'8 '', 240 pound striker. It was classified by rivals.com as No. 100. His physical and skills made him an outstanding player and attracted him the attention of programs of Division I -College. Williams' raw sportiness and ability to end on the edge made him a force in high school basketball, and his potential was recognized early.

College -Ruhm – University of Arizona

Williams committed himself to the Arizona University and worked quickly. During his season in the first year (2009-2010), he scored an average of 15.7 points and 7.1 rebounds per game. His second year was even more impressive: 19.5 points and 8.3 rebounds per game, while 59.5% of the field, 56.8% of three and 74.6% from the free -wing line. He led Arizona to the elite in the NCAA tournament in 2011 and was appointed Pac-10 player of the year. After his second season, Williams declared the NBA design.

The 2011 NBA Draft – 2nd total selection

On June 23, 2011, Derrick Williams was selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2011 NBA design for the 2nd overall. He was selected directly to Kyrie Irving and in front of players such as Klay Thompson, Kawhi Leonard and Jimmy Butler. Williams entered the league with increased expectations, which were seen as a potential talent for franchise changes. His sportiness, shooting ability and college awards made him one of the most traded prospects in his class.

Minnesota Timberwolves – The Rookie Years

Williams played two full seasons with the Timberwolves. In his rookie year (2011-12) he scored an average of 8.8 points and 4.7 rebounds per game. His best year with the wolves came in the 2012-13 season when he scored career height: 12.0 points, 5.5 rebounds and 0.6 assists per game in 78 games. Despite the brilliant flash, he fought with durability and was often played out of the position. In three seasons with Minnesota, he performed in 155 games with 46 games.

Sacramento Kings – a new chance

In November 2013, Derrick Williams was traded against Luc Mbah a Moute to the Sacramento Kings. In Sacramento, Williams played 140 games in two seasons 15. His best performance was achieved on February 28, 2014, when he scored 31 points and achieved 5 rebounds against the Los Angeles Lakers. During his time with the kings, he scored an average of 8.5 points and 3.6 rebounds per game. His contract had 5 million US dollars annually with the expectations of rejuvenating its early career reform. The deal also opened competitors for its achievements while certain games, proof of its marketability and fan interest.

Short-term stints, heat, cavs

Williams signed a one-year contract for $ 5 million with the New York Knicks in 2015. In 80 games he scored an average of 9.3 points and 3.7 rebounds per game. One of his outstanding games took place on January 28, 2016, where he scored 31 points and had 7 rebounds against the Toronto Raptors.

In February 2017, he signed two consecutive 10-day contracts with the Cleveland Cavaliers before signing for the rest of the season. He played 25 games for Cleveland with an average of 6.2 points and 2.3 rebounds per game and shot 50.5% off the field. Williams also appeared in 7 playoff games, including the NBA final, in which the cavaliers lost to the Golden State Warriors.

In July 2017, Williams signed a one -year minimum contract with Miami Heat. He only appeared in 25 games with an average of 5.9 points and 2.9 rebounds and was dispensed with in February 2018.

NBA G -League and international expansion

After Williams had been dispensed with, he signed in March 2018 at the G -League partner of Los Angeles Lakers' Giga, the South Bay Lakers.

In April 2018, he signed the Tianjin Gold Lions of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA), where he achieved an average of 20.0 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game over 15 appearances.

European success – Bayern Munich and Fenerbahçe

Williams enforced his career in Europe by signing Bayern Munich in 2018. In the 2018-19 euro league season, he played 29 games and scored an average of 13.4 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game. He shot 40.3% of three and 88.2% from the free -wire line.

In July 2019, he signed a one -year contract with a Turkish power pack Fenerbahçe. In the Euro League he scored 11.3 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 26 games and shot 38.9% from Deep. Williams continued to build an excellent reputation as a forward assessment in the European race track.

Later the Euro League – Valencia, Maccabi, Panathinaikos

In July 2020, Williams signed at Valencia Basket. He played 32 euros league games with an average of 9.0 points and 3.1 rebounds per game. In 2021 he moved to Maccabi Tel Aviv, where he recorded 9.4 points and 3.1 rebounds in 33 games.

Williams signed Panathinaikos for the 2022-2023 season. He contributed 12.9 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.0 assists per game for over 32 euros. He shot 38.5% of beyond the arch and kept a consistent offensive presence.

In his NBA career, Derrick Williams played 428 games with 101. He scored 3,914 total points and collected 1,667 rebounds. His career on average was 8.9 points, 4.0 rebounds and 0.7 assists per game. It shot 43.4% of the field, 30.0% of three and 70.2% from the free -wing line.

In 2017 he performed in 7 playoff games with the Cleveland Cavaliers and scored an average of 2.6 points and 1.0 rebound per game. In Europe, William's respect for adaptability and consistent value. His figures in the Euro League show continuing performance in several seasons in the top animal clubs.

Permanent effects and global heritage

Derrick Williams may not have become a NBA superstar that many have predicted, but his journey from La Mirada High School to the NBA Lottery Pick and successful international pro is endurance and global effects. He redefined success beyond the American borders and proves its value in Ligen around the world. La Mirada's own Derrick Williams remains a symbol of relentless determination, skill and the will, the game he loves to continue playing, no matter where the farm is.


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