Pacific Division Rankings: SG Edition

PHOENIX, AZ - APRIL 07: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns reacts to fans after scoring against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half of the NBA game at Talking Stick Resort Arena on April 7, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Thunder 120-99. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ - APRIL 07: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns reacts to fans after scoring against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half of the NBA game at Talking Stick Resort Arena on April 7, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Thunder 120-99. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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4. Lou Williams, Los Angeles Clippers

LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 1: Lou Williams #12 of the Houston Rockets looks on before the game against the Los Angeles Clippers on March 1, 2017 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 1: Lou Williams #12 of the Houston Rockets looks on before the game against the Los Angeles Clippers on March 1, 2017 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Ah, the curious case of Lou Williams.

Looking back at his career, Williams has never started more than 38 games in a single season. In fact, in his twelve years in the league, he has only ever started more than ten games in a year twice.

Before we condemn Lou Williams as a career bench player, it is important to look at his average minutes per game. After his first two seasons in the league, Williams has played over 20 minutes per game in every single season. 

That is ten consecutive years.

Even the Phoenix Suns’ Mr. Consistency, Jared Dudley, has not averaged over 20 minutes per game for ten straight years.

Will Williams be a starter this year? Well, if Doc Rivers has anything to say about it (and he does), Austin Rivers will probably begin the season as the Clippers’ starting two-guard. Hopefully, Doc will come to his senses and realize that Austin is simply not very good, and Lou Williams will be the team’s full-time starter.

For Lou’s sake, let’s hope that happens sooner, rather than later.