Is Marvin Williams’ Season Out of the Ordinary for His Career?

Scott G. Winterton, Deseret News

As the Utah Jazz broadcasts begin, the starters introduce themselves. I imagine that many out there did not predict seeing Marvin Williams and Richard “NBA University of Arizona” being permanent members of the opening five. But with 14 games remaining, they have both been there most the season. And both have had their moments where they have played quite well.

Marvin Williams, especially, has been lauded by Jazz coaches and fans. He is one who occasionally shows some much-needed emotion for the team. His veteran presence and his positive attitude have been refreshing. His willingness to play power forward–often giving up some definite size to his opponents–has been great.

While there is much to be pleased about, is the on-court season Williams is having anything out of the ordinary for his career? I hate to temper the enthusiasm, but for the most part, the answer is no. Let’s take a look.

Williams’ first season in Utah was easily the least productive of his career. With an offense understandably centered around Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap and capable role players in Gordon Hayward, Mo Williams and Randy Foye, Williams was often the last option on the floor. His numbers are evidence of that.

This year, head coach Tyrone Corbin is using him in a very different role– a full-time stretch four (Williams has played very little at the small forward position, which is where the vast majority of his minutes came during the 2012-2013 campaign). There are also more opportunities, seeing as Jefferson, Millsap, Williams and Foye are toiling elsewhere.

Here are his raw statistics, along with his career numbers, with the help of Basketball Reference:

Here are his numbers per 36 minutes:

As you can see, his numbers are eerily similar to his overall NBA marks. Williams is flourishing on his 3-point shooting–the second-best mark of his career while attempting a lot more. With his move inside, he is rebounding the ball above his career norms/36 minutes. But in everything else, Williams is right at (or even below) his career averages. His free throw attempts are by far the lowest of his career.

And lastly, for those analytics aficionados (which may or may not include some certain broadcasters), here are Williams’  advanced stats:

The advanced stats are a bit more favorable, with his PER being a bit above his career-average (third best of his career)–but below the overall NBA average. His eFG% is by far the best of his nine seasons, thanks to his perimeter marksmanship. Williams is rebounding the ball well. His 3-Point Attempt Rate is dramatically higher, while his Free Throw Rate is appallingly low–both byproducts of his role change. Everything else is pretty much status quo.

All in all, he’s having a nice season–but not an exceptional one. While Marvin Williams has been a bright spot for many, he is playing at a similar level seen during his years with the Atlanta Hawks

An unrestricted free agent in July, he has expressed a sincere interest in returning to Utah. His play merits a return, as he is a solid role player. My preference would be to see him be a spark off the bench, playing both forward positions.