By Eurohoops / info@eurohoops.net
Derrick Williams is undoubtedly the biggest name AEK has signed ahead of the upcoming season. The American forward was selected No. 2 overall in the 2011 NBA Draft by the Minnesota Timberwolves and arrives in Athens with a wealth of experience at both the NBA and European levels.
Now 35, Williams spoke to Eurohoops during AEK’s Media Day, addressing the comments surrounding his age and insisting that he still has plenty to offer on the court. As an example of longevity and inspiration, he pointed to LeBron James, who is now 41 and preparing to lead the Philadelphia 76ers.
Williams knows LeBron well, having been his teammate with the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2016-17 season and briefly with the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2017-18 campaign.
The experienced power forward also explained why he wanted to return to European basketball, while setting his sights on winning the Basketball Champions League (BCL). He also admitted that the prospect of NBA Europe represents an additional motivation for joining AEK.
Derrick, you have returned to Greece after previously playing for Panathinaikos. What are your first impressions of AEK?
“We have a very talented team. That’s what I’ve noticed so far in practice. We have a mix of veteran and young players, and we have guys with a lot of experience. Those are my first impressions. I’m looking forward to bringing onto the court what I’ve been seeing in practice. This month will be important for us, and I’m excited.”
What was the main reason you accepted AEK’s offer?
“I wanted to return to European basketball. It was something I wanted to do at this stage of my career. I wanted to be part of it — to be in Greece, at AEK, and in the BCL. I wanted to play against great teams in the Stoiximan GBL, such as Panathinaikos, Olympiacos, PAOK and Aris. There are a lot of good teams this season. I’m looking forward to showing what we can do as a team.”
AEK also has the potential opportunity of NBA Europe through the BCL. Is that a challenge for you as well?
“Definitely. That’s another major goal. It was also one of the reasons I wanted to come to AEK, considering everything the team has accomplished over the past few years. I wanted to be part of something special. There are specific goals every season that we want to accomplish. We want to be very competitive in the Stoiximan GBL and try to win it. We want to win the BCL and, as you mentioned, if NBA Europe happens and we are able to make it, that could come as well. So that’s another ambition for us — to try to make it happen.”
When AEK announced your signing, there were various comments on social media pointing out that you are 35, while some people even said they didn’t know you were still playing. Do you feel you have something to prove because of those comments?
“Well, I’m a player. It’s normal that there are always going to be different comments. It doesn’t matter whether you’re 25 or 35. There will always be people commenting on something. I’m 35, but I still have a lot of basketball left in me. We see LeBron — he’s 41. I find motivation from players like that. Russell Westbrook recently retired, too. Then you have LeBron, Steph Curry, Kevin Durant. All of these guys have been playing in the NBA for 18, 19, 20 years. I look at all of these players as inspiration. So, at 35, I’m in the best period of my career.” [laughs]
What can AEK fans expect from you this season?
“To bring energy, effort and efficiency. Those are the three goals I always have. That’s what I want to provide. I want to show the talent I have and help the team win. That’s the most important thing. I want to play with energy, effort and efficiency in every game. If I do that, we’ll accomplish the things we want to achieve as a team”:
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