Multiple NBA sources have reported that 2009 lottery pick Terrence Williams has been working out for several teams this week, including the Pistons.

After playing 12 games for Houston and 18 games for Sacramento last season, the former Louisville star forward has been trying to find a team after a strong second half. In those games with the Kings, he averaged 9.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 45.4% shooting in just 21.7 minutes.

Physical talent has never been a problem for Williams, something that he showed in those few games with the Kings. His basketball IQ and decision-making on and off the court, however, have caused him to become an afterthought for the three teams he’s played for in his short career.

His rookie season of 2009-10 saw him play in 78 of the team’s 82 games, quickly becoming an important part of the team’s rotation. In the final two months of that campaign, he averaged 14.2 points, 5.6 assists, 6.9 rebounds and 44% shooting, including one triple-double against the Bulls (27 points, 10 assists, 13 rebounds) and almost another two in the next two games (15/7/8 against the Pacers; 21/6/13 versus the Bobcats). It’s worth noting that current Pistons head coach Lawrence Frank was Williams’ head coach during that rookie season.

Again, the unique physical gifts that Williams possessed coming out of Louisville haven’t left him, but the fact that he got sent to the NBDL for tardiness and “misbehavior” show that he still hasn’t grasped the whole “professionalism” thing.

Another thing going against Williams possibly joining the Pistons is the fact that the team has a full 15-man roster and a logjam at small forward. Unless a trade is made or someone is released, there just wouldn’t be room for the hyper-athletic wingman. One name that has been mentioned numerous times this offseason in regards to being cut is Austin Daye, the 6’11” forward who struggled mightily last season.

Nearly every other player on the roster that shares the wing position with Williams (Corey Maggette, Khris Middleton, Tayshaun Prince, Kyle Singler) is someone that will be used to shed cap space next offseason, is a solid veteran presence or is a rookie that the team has deemed worthy of a roster spot. Should the Pistons be actually interested in acquiring Williams, Daye could the one who gets the boot from Joe Dumars.

Like most young players, Williams has his positives and negatives. The behavioral issues are troubling, sure, but his type of athleticism is not common and he could fit in well with the team’s young, fast core. The Pistons would be wise to take a flier on the third-year forward, even if it’s just for training camp and preseason.

Tayshaun Prince

The 10-year veteran is once again the likely starter for the Pistons in 2012, but unlike previous seasons, he’ll finally have teammates behind him who can also play his position. His scoring last season (12.7 points) was his lowest total since his second season, although that could likely be because the team now has more diverse options on offense. Actually, that average is closer to his career average of 12.9 than any of his other seasons. Prince’s main contribution to the Pistons this season should be his veteran leadership and his ability to still defend some of the more athletic wing players in the NBA. He might not make the most spectacular plays anymore, but he will provide a steady hand at both forward spots who can run Lawrence Frank’s offense when he’s on the floor.

Corey Maggette

The 13-year veteran forward came to the Pistons in June as part of the Ben Gordon trade with Charlotte, and while he can’t score like he used to as a Clipper, Maggette can still provide the Pistons some help. In addition to averaging 4 to 5 rebounds from the small forward position, he is extremely adept at getting to the free throw line and making it count. Last season, he averaged 6.5 attempts per game and made 86% of them; on a team that shot just 75% from the charity stripe last year, that skill should prove helpful. Across the rest of his averages, he’s similar to Prince, although he is 10 pounds heavier and more built to absorb contact from defenders. He could very well end up leaving the Pistons next offseason, as he’s on a one-year deal, but in the meantime, he should be able to assist his younger teammates in 2012.

Kyle Singler

Pistons general manager Joe Dumars received plenty of criticism for his pick of Singler in the 2011 draft; after all, the former Duke Blue Devil didn’t have a discernible skill that would translate well to the NBA game. After a year in Spain, and winning the Spanish King’s Cup with Real Madrid, Singler seems more ready to contribute. In his 10 games with CB Lucentum Alicante, he lead the team in scoring with 14.4 points and also contributed 3.4 rebounds and 1.1 steals. During the summer league games this July, Singler showed even more improvement, scoring 14 points in his first game. He won’t start this season, but he should provide solid defense and hustle, two things he was known for in college.

Khris Middleton

After going much of the summer without a contract, Middleton finally got on in mid-August with the Pistons. There was plenty of speculation as to whether he would even make the team, as the roster shaped up quickly around him. Many analysts think he should have left after his sophomore season at Texas A&M (14.4 points, 5.2 rebounds) and after missing 12 games with a knee injury last year and seeing his draft stock drop, the criticism is understandable. Middleton has a good midrange shot and is a smart passing forward, but with the depth in front of him, it would take unique circumstances for him to play much in 2012.