Derrick Williams claims he is at the peak of his career at age 35, inspired by LeBron

Former NBA player Derrick Williams, the No. 2 pick in the 2026 draft, has officially joined AEK Athens for the 2026-26 season. In his press conference, Williams made headlines by claiming that at age 35, he is at the best moment of his career. This statement is not just a personal declaration; it reflects the ambition of a player who has experienced many ups and downs in the NBA and Europe, now seeking to reaffirm his value with the Athens club. Williams signed with AEK after a long career in top-tier leagues. He played for the Minnesota Timberwolves, Sacramento Kings, New York Knicks, Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA, before moving to Europe to play for Fenerbahçe, Bayern Munich, and Maccabi Tel Aviv. This extensive experience makes him one of the most notable signings for AEK this season. In an interview with Eurohoops, Williams said: "LeBron James at 41 is still playing at a high level, that is an inspiration for me. I am 35 and feel like I am at the best moment of my career. I don't care about the criticism about age, because I know what I can do on the court." He emphasized three key factors: energy, effort, and efficiency – what he will bring to his new team. However, experts question the validity of this claim. In his NBA career, Williams averaged 8.9 points and 3.9 rebounds per game, with a true shooting percentage (TS%) of only about 53-54%, below league average. His game relies heavily on athleticism and speed – attributes that typically decline fastest at age 35. Nevertheless, in the Basketball Champions League (BCL) – where AEK aims to win – the competition level is lower than the NBA and EuroLeague, allowing Williams to leverage his experience and skills. AEK Athens is currently building a roster mixing veterans and young talents. Williams is seen as a cornerstone in their plan to conquer both the BCL and the Greek Basket League. He admitted: "My goal is to win the BCL. The team has many good players, I believe we can compete with anyone." He also expressed excitement about facing Greek giants like Panathinaikos, Olympiacos, PAOK, and Aris. A notable point in the interview was Williams mentioning the possibility of NBA Europa – a league operated by the NBA in Europe. He said: "NBA Europa is something very exciting. If it happens, I would be very happy to participate. But for now, I am fully focused on AEK." This suggests AEK is not only aiming for immediate success but also preparing for structural changes in European basketball. Tactically, Williams is expected to take on a primary or secondary scoring role, mainly in pick-and-roll and transition situations. His size (6'8", ~240 lbs) and versatility fit the BCL environment, where experienced players often dominate. However, his fitness and ability to maintain performance over consecutive games are major questions, especially in the BCL Final Eight's single-elimination format. In the locker room, Williams is expected to become a spiritual leader, helping young players develop. He stated: "I am not here for personal stats. I want the team to succeed. If that means I have to work harder, sacrifice more, I am ready." This attitude shows a mature Williams ready to contribute to the collective. Nevertheless, risks remain. Williams' dependence on athleticism could trouble him against younger, quicker defenders. If early-season performances do not meet expectations, pressure from media and fans will increase. But with vast experience, Williams is mentally prepared: "Comments about age are normal. I am used to it. The important thing is that I prove it on the court." Overall, the Derrick Williams signing is a calculated gamble for AEK Athens. If successful, it will elevate the club to new heights in the BCL and Greek League. If it fails, it will be a lesson in investing in players past their prime. The 2026-26 season will provide the answer.