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It’s halftime of the Toros/Energy game. I’m watching on Futurecast. The story of the first half was Marcus Williams-he contributed 19, 8, and 8. He’ll have his triple double by the time I finish this post.

Marcus Williams is a good basketball player, but I’ve always doubted he’d make the NBA. Not for lack of talent or hard work, but because I’ve never seen a position for him in the league. He’s a small forward, but undersized in comparison to your typical Association 3. He’s not an explosive offensive player, but decent. And he’s not a lock down defender, just merely adequate. Still, he’s been one of the best D-League players this season. He finds a way to fill up a stat sheet. But where would he play in the NBA?

In a recent conversation between the Ridiculous Upside button pushers and myself, it was suggested that Marcus Williams could play point forward in the big leagues, just as he has done with the Toros in recent games. I was skeptical. But after watching Marcus Williams tonight, I’m not sure Williams shouldn’t receive an 09/10 training camp invitation from San Antonio. But here’s the kicker: a camp invitation as an opportunity to replace Jacque Vaughn as the team’s 3rd point.

You think I’m crazy, but hear me out.

Marcus Williams does a wonderful job of initiating the offense and seems to have a real firm grasp of where to move either the ball or his body. It’s obvious that his dominance of the D-League is the result of two things: 1) hard work and 2) he fully understands the Spurs/Toros system. As a point guard, Marcus Williams could transform his tweener frame from a negative into a positive. 6′7” is tremendous size for a point.

I’m not suggesting that Marcus Williams is the next coming of Magic Johnson. Truthfully, I’d bet he’s playing in Europe next season. After the season he’s put together, there will be a check waiting for him, and deservedly so. But if he does make it from the D-League to the NBA, the Spurs system knowledge he’s gained in Austin could provide the bridge. He’ll make the league because of his brain, not his body.

I recognize this is all long shot stuff. Does Marcus Williams have handle enough to ward off the quick hands of opposing point guards? Does he have the lateral speed to play competent defense against smaller, quicker players? I’m not sure. But giving him an opportunity to make a training camp case does not seem like such a bad option. His orchestration of the Toros offense is extremely impressive.

So long as we are talking point guards, DeMarcus Nelson continues to play well for the Toros. I remain intrigued by his ability to defend. In terms of measurements, he is George Hill. Nelson’s 3 point shot is better than I expected, and he can definitely get to the rim. All things considered, I’ll be disappointed if the Spurs resign Jacque Vaughn after the season. Invite Marcus Williams and DeMarcus Nelson to camp and let them fight for JV’s old digs.

Update: The Toros clinched a playoff berth tonight in their 129-112 victory over Iowa. Marcus Williams finished with 29, 14, and 13. It was a fun game to watch, and it was great to see a strong turnout in the Austin Convention Center. The Toros play at home on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday of this week.

Update #2: According to Coach Snyder, Ian Mahinmi is with the team, but will only practice. Don’t expect to see him suit up for the Toros this season.