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“He’s a throwback, different kind of dude.”
That’s how former NBA player Derek Fisher described Kenrich Williams and his infamous “shag” haircut in the former TCU forward’s professional debut. And while Williams made lots of #KennyHustle plays in Las Vegas Friday night, it was his infamous ‘do that drew the most notice among NBA fans and commentators:
Derek Fisher describes Kenrich Williams' hairstyle pic.twitter.com/K0oE7hYmas
— Born Salty (@cjzero) July 7, 2018
I love how much Derek Fisher is hyping up Kenrich Williams shag. Love it.
— MileHighBasketballFanPage (@BasketballMile) July 7, 2018
This is definitely a look. #RingerNBA pic.twitter.com/dCbEtVH9ll
— The Ringer (@ringer) July 7, 2018
After the 1st, #Nuggets up 18-16.
— Duvalier Johnson (@DuvalierJohnson) July 7, 2018
Monte Morris leading the way with six points, two rebounds and two assists.
Kenrich Williams has AWESOME hair—oh yeah, and five rebounds.
#Nuggets lead 18-16 after the first quarter.
— T.J. McBride (@TJMcBrideNBA) July 7, 2018
Monte Morris: 6p, 2r, 2a, 1s, 1to
Malik Beasley: 6p, 1b, 1to
Kenrich Williams (shagmaster): 2p, 5r, 1a
WHO'S THIS PLAYER ROCKIN' A SHAG
— Tweetgood Mac (@SnottieDrippen) July 7, 2018
Like many TCU Basketball fans, both new and old, I stayed up late to watch the former Frog get his first taste of pro ball. Even though it was just Summer League, Kenny did a lot of the little things that have him looking more and more likely to earn a roster spot with the Nuggets by fall camp.
Hustle finished the game with six points, eight rebounds, an assist, two turnovers, and plenty of floor burns in 16 minutes of action. He also endured a cut on his face that drew blood in the first quarter, though he didn’t miss any game action - because of course he didn’t. Williams grabbed four boards in his first five minutes of game play, helping the Nuggets jump out to an early first quarter lead. He was active on defense, as we have come to expect, but moved much more without the ball on offense than we were used to seeing his while at TCU - where he did much more handling of the basketball and initiating the offense than will be asked of his as a pro. He did miss both of his attempts from long-range, something that will be key for him if he wants to make the roster, but it’s far too early to worry about that now. Overall, the reviews from Nuggets fans and pundits were positive, as many were calling for him to get a two-way contract, or be signed outright, after his debut.
Kenrich Williams is in the right place at the right time a lot. He’s grabbed a few rebounds off of anticipation already.
— Adam Mares (@Adam_Mares) July 7, 2018
Nuggets up 62-41 over Wolves after three quarters. Two players have really stood out to me so far for Denver: Monte Morris and Vlatko Cancar. Kenrich Williams has been solid too.
— Harrison Wind (@HarrisonWind) July 7, 2018
Oh, and the Nuggets won 70-69 (nice) over Minnesota, if you care about such things.
In earlier action, recently signed Vladimir Brodziansky did not get into Cleveland’s Summer League opener, but that isn’t surprising considering he just officially joined the team a few days ago.
I don’t often stay up late to watch Summer League games, but in this instance, it was well worth it.