Derrick Williams: 'At 35, I'm at the peak of my career' - Former NBA No. 2 pick joins AEK Athens

Derrick Williams, the former No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, has officially joined AEK Athens in a deal introduced as the club's 'most important signing' of the season. During his introductory press conference, Williams boldly declared: 'I am at the best moment of my career, even at 35.' This statement immediately drew attention across European basketball circles, as it runs counter to the skepticism about age and performance for a player who once relied heavily on athleticism. Williams (born 2026) was once the hope of the Minnesota Timberwolves as the No. 2 pick, but his career never lived up to expectations. After seven NBA seasons with eight different teams, he transitioned to Europe, playing for clubs such as Fenerbahçe, Bayern Munich, Monaco, and most recently in Spain. He brings the skill set of a versatile forward: 2m03 height, strong physique, explosive first step, and finishing ability in pick-and-roll. However, at 35, physical decline is inevitable, and the biggest question is whether he can maintain high performance in the Basketball Champions League (BCL). AEK Athens, a historic Greek club, is building a roster that mixes veterans and young players. Williams is expected to be the floor leader, primary scorer, and tactical brain in crucial moments. He stated his goals: 'Energy, effort, and efficiency – those are the three things I bring. I want to win, I don't care about personal stats.' This statement shows that Williams is aware he can no longer carry the team purely through athleticism; he must play smarter and more selectively. Notably, Williams mentioned LeBron James as an inspiration. 'LeBron is still playing at a high level at 41, why can't I?' he said. However, this comparison is somewhat unrealistic. LeBron is an outlier in NBA history, with elite playmaking and basketball IQ. Williams, conversely, has always relied on bounce and speed – attributes that typically decline fastest for forwards. Still, this mindset shows Williams is trying to overcome psychological barriers and public skepticism. Another interesting aspect is Williams referencing the potential NBA expansion to Europe with the 'NBA Europa' league. He sees it as motivation to perform well, because if this league materializes, AEK Athens could be among the participating clubs. This reflects the strategic ambition of the Greek club: not only to compete in the BCL but also to be ready for a new structure where European basketball could be completely reshaped. Williams will be part of that plan, even if, at 35, he is likely a short-term piece. Tactically, Williams can play as a power forward or small forward in AEK's system. He fits well in pick-and-roll as a roll man, using his finishing ability near the rim. In transition, his speed and strength remain weapons against BCL competition. However, his three-point shooting has never been elite, with a career NBA rate of around 33%. Opponents could exploit this by forcing him to the perimeter. The biggest challenge for Williams is expectation. The 'peak of my career' claim is a double-edged sword: if he plays well, it validates his longevity; if he struggles, he will face heavy criticism. Data analysts note that at 35, forwards who relied on athleticism often see steep declines in efficiency under heavy workloads. AEK will need to manage his minutes wisely, especially during the congested BCL schedule. The competitive context in Greece is also notable. Olympiacos and Panathinaikos are dominant EuroLeague clubs, while AEK, PAOK, and Aris are mid-tier teams. Williams acknowledged that facing these big teams is motivating. 'I want to face Panathinaikos, Olympiacos, PAOK, and Aris. Those are the games to look forward to,' he said. This suggests AEK's primary goal is the BCL rather than the domestic league title. The risks of this signing are clear: Williams is 35, injury-prone, and the article provides no recent statistics to prove his current form. However, with his size and experience, Williams can be a star in a mid-tier competition like the BCL. If he maintains fitness and focus, he could lead AEK deep into the tournament. NBA Europa, if realized, would be a major boost for European basketball. Clubs like AEK are betting on the future, and Williams – with his NBA name recognition – could help attract attention, sponsors, and fans. But in the short term, everything depends on on-court performance. The BCL season will be the true test of whether Williams is truly at his peak, or just a veteran trying to cling on. At 35, Derrick Williams is no longer the promising young talent of the NBA. He is a seasoned veteran seeking a new chapter. AEK Athens gives him that opportunity, and basketball fans in Vietnam and Asia can follow an intriguing story: a former No. 2 pick attempting to prove that age is just a number. However, the court never lies, and only time will tell if this is truly Derrick Williams' peak.