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Toronto Raptors expect Louis Williams to play big role in 2014-2015 season

One thing is for sure: Louis Williams expects to play a major role for the Toronto Raptors this season.

And he’s just happy to be wanted.

Speaking on Raptors media day, Williams said,

I’m excited to be here…I’m happy to be with a group that wants me. These guys really respect what I have done over the course of my career and I look forward to getting started. I’m ready, I’m back to 100% now…I’m excited to get this season going and get back on track.” Lou Williams as reported by Mike Ganter at the Toronto Sun

This excitement is refreshing to see. Especially because Williams is clear on his role.

Speaking with Kurt Helin from NBC Sports, Lou Williams said,

“When [the Toronto Raptors] traded for me and had the conversation, they want me here…They felt they had a void they needed to fill coming off the bench and I’m excited to help.” Kurt Helin quoting Williams @ ProBasketballTalk on NBC Sports

So, Louis Williams is happy to be a Toronto Raptor, he’s clear on his role, and he’s happy to contribute.

Sounds pretty great.

So, what can the Raps and their fans expect from Williams?

Toronto Raptors Are Better With Williams

A quick sift through Williams’ stats makes one thing clear: the guy can score. Take a look for yourself.

Despite receiving true starter’s minutes in only the 2009-2010 season, Williams has managed averages of 11.4 PPG and 3.1 assists per game.

As a complementary piece coming off the bench, those scoring rates are solid. The Raps will surely benefit from that extra scoring.

Defense? Well, that’s a different story.

Williams posted a 1.0 defensive win share rating, ranking 8th on the Atlanta Hawks roster. The Hawks roster finished 26th in the NBA in overall defensive efficiency.

Put those two stats together and you can understand why Andre Iguodala trashed Williams’ defense when they played together for the Philadelphia 76ers.

Still, as a second unit guard, Louis Williams will be looked to for scoring. Perhaps his defense will come around playing for Toronto Raptors coach Dwane Casey.

There is one hitch in all of this though…

What About Greivis Vasquez?

Last season, the Toronto Raptors benefited from the spunky, high-tempo play of fan-favourite, Greivis Vasquez.

Coming off the bench or running with Kyle Lowry as a shooting guard (where he had much more defensive success) led to 9.1 PPG and 5.2 assists (huge!) for Vasquez.

Now Williams and Vasquez must find a way to share the role.

A year after after wondering how many minutes Landry Fields, Steve Novak, and Austin Daye would play, watching Louis Williams and Greivis Vasquez battle for backup minutes is a sign that the Toronto Raptors finally have some backcourt depth.

What do you think, Raps fans? Is it a good idea to have both Williams and Vasquez on the Toronto Raptors bench?