The days of playing two big men at the same time are long gone. Really, the term “big men” isn’t even applicable in a traditional sense anymore.
Nowadays, big men have acquired guard-like skills. The emphasis on 3-point shooting has expedited the evolution of the game itself. Players that can’t shoot, defend and play in an up-tempo offense are left behind – literally and figuratively.
Derrick Williams was the prototypical modern forward coming out of Arizona in 2011.
Taken second overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves, Williams had all of the tools to become an elite player at the next level.