Kenrich Williams shows potential in Nuggets' Summer League finale

Kenrich Williams did everything right over the Nuggets’ first four games at Summer League, except score. In Denver’s Summer League opener, Williams pulled down eight rebounds in just 17 minutes and throughout the rest of the showcase played exceptional defense and showed off a high basketball IQ and feel for the game. But Williams tallied just 10 points on 5-17 shooting prior to tonight.

That changed in the Nuggets’ Summer League finale Friday against the Timberwolves.

As expected, Denver rested key contributors Monte Morris, Malik Beasley, Tyler Lydon, Vlatko Cancar, DeVaughn Akoon-Purcell and Thomas Welsh allowing Williams to shoulder a larger offensive role. He finished with a game-high 17 points on 8-14 shooting, seven rebounds and two steals as Denver fell 83-71 to Minnesota.

Williams was a projected second-round pick prior to the draft but concerns around his medical history caused the 6-foot-7 wing to drop out of the second round. Williams had microfracture surgery on both knees while in college.

Denver is high on Williams and likes the versatility he provides. He’s deserving of a two-way contract and could sign one with another team, but the Nuggets don’t appear to have room for him on this year’s roster. Morris is already signed under a two-way for next season and Welsh is expected to occupy the team’s other two-way slot.

The Nuggets will have an open roster after trading Kenneth Faried, Darrell Arthur, a protected 2019 first-round pick and a future second-round pick to the Nets for guard Isaiah Whitehead, who Denver waived Friday after the transaction became official. However, the Nuggets would likely want a more experienced player to fill their 15th and final roster spot ahead of a pivotal season in Denver.

“The goal is to get a real contract,” said Williams, who gained notoriety in college and at Summer League for his signature “shag” haircut. “That’s the main goal. But I’ll take anything after Summer League. We’re going to see what the options are. Anything can happen.”

Elsewhere for Denver, Kennedy Meeks added nine points and 11 rebounds. Division II product Emanuel Terry ended his promising Summer League stint on a high note with eight points on 4-5 shooting off the Nuggets’ bench.

Denver finishes the Las Vegas showcase with a 3-2 record.