*Insert Your Most Clever Marvin Gaye Play On Words Here

What's Going On?

There is no question that Marvin Williams had a disappointing season last year, both in terms of the team context and in the eyes of Jazz fans everywhere. Overall, Marvin Williams' 0.92 points per play wasn't horrible, but it was disappointing, especially when he had just come off a very good offensive year. Part of the problem is that Williams isn't a very good spot up shooter, and in the Jazz system, that is ultimately what he was asked to do. Williams shot only 32% on spot ups outside of 20 feet last season. This season will probably be difficult for Williams for a few reasons. For one, he is coming off an injured foot and will have to work into game shape. Secondly, he will probably be asked to shoot spot up jumpers and create off the dribble a lot this season, two non strengths. Nothing about the offense or personnel of this current Jazz team suggests otherwise.

It Takes Two

Marvin Williams quietly had a nice defensive season last year. The Jazz were almost 2 points better defensively per 100 possessions when Marvin Williams played. This is especially impressive when you figure that Williams almost never played defense with the better Jazz defenders. Williams made an especially nice defensive pairing with Gordon Hayward. The Jazz only gave up 101.5 points per 48 minutes when those two played the wing positions. We should be able to see Hayward and Williams play some together again this season.

I Heard it Through the Grapevine

Unfortunately, we will probably hear more about Marvin Williams in trade rumors than we will for his on court performance this season. Williams has a $7.5 million expiring contract and is a decent veteran player, so his name will surely come up in a lot of trade rumors between now and February. Keep an eye on Boston rumors especially. Only the Jazz know what the long term plan is for Williams. Williams will probably prefer to seek a winning situation in free agency, but the Jazz may also be able to sell him on a rebuilding project with a couple extra million dollars a year as well. Williams should be up and running sometime by mid November. At least that's what I heard through the grapevine.

2013-14 Per 36-Minute Projections

@clarkpojo