LeBron hopes Williams signing is 'a long-term thing'

Former second overall pick Derrick Williams has made a positive impact on the reigning NBA champion Cleveland Cavaliers in his first two appearances, averaging 9.5 points in 21 minutes with just one missed field goal on six total attempts.

The Arizona product is working under a 10-day contract, but if LeBron James has his way, Williams' stay in Cleveland will last a lot longer.

"We hope that this is a long-term thing," James said of Williams following the Cavs' 125-109 victory over the visiting Denver Nuggets Saturday night at Quicken Loans Arena, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin. "Obviously, we know that he's on a 10-day contract, but we believe it's going to be long-term.

"He's been in some difficult situations, first of all, and we hope that this is a place that can help him grow and make that next step. He's 25 years old. It doesn't seem like it because we've been hearing his name for so long. But he's 25. He hasn't even gotten to his potential, to his prime yet, so hopefully this group, this locker room, myself, my leadership (helps him). Just want to see him grow every day, and it's a good place for him."

Williams had seven points in 20 minutes off the bench against Denver, two days after dropping 12 on perfect 3-of-3 shooting (eight points came at the charity stripe) in a nine-point loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

"Atmosphere was great, man," Williams said of playing his first gave as a Cav at the Q Saturday. "I hadn't experienced anything like that since I've been in the NBA. Just taking it all in. Just trying to help this team win. That's what I'm here for. Just play with energy, play with effort, play with efficiency and try to get a win. That's why I'm here."

Cleveland can sign Williams to a second 10-day deal, but once that contract expires, a decision would need to be made on whether to keep him on for the remainder of the season (and possibly longer), or part ways. He was waived by the Miami Heat on Feb. 6 after appearing in 25 games, and was picked up by the Cavaliers days later.

"I kind of put myself in this predicament," Williams added. "I asked for the release from the last team, and I put myself in a 10-day. So I'm not worried about anything after that. I just want to take every day at a time and put myself in a position I've never been in, and that's what I want to do, and that's why I chose to come here."