“Situational Evaluation” is a collection of articles that seeks to look at the circumstances that the majority usually affect an NBA prospect’s success. Every participant shall be scored on a scale from 1-10 in 4 totally different classes: NBA-specific talent(s), deadly flaw(s), collegiate/abroad/pre-NBA setting, and splendid NBA ecosystem.
Cody Williams is a 19-year-old ahead from Gilbert, Arizona, who averaged 11.9 factors, 3 rebounds, and 1.6 assists for the Colorado Buffaloes. He’s anticipated to be chosen within the lottery on this 12 months’s draft. NBADraft.internet presently has him projected at No. 4.
NBA-Particular Abilities
Cody Williams has one of many cleanest, easiest-to-read job purposes of any prospect on this 12 months’s draft.
NBA Crew: “So, what’s it you do, Mr. Williams?”
Williams: “I’m a prototypical 3-and-D wing.”
NBA Crew: “Say no extra. Would you want an 8-figure NBA rookie contract?”
Multi-billion-dollar companies are risk-averse by their nature. An NBA franchise, similar to every other monumental capitalist entity, prefers methods and prospects which might be constant, repeatable, and simple to elucidate. It’s subsequent to inconceivable to win at any critical stage with out at the least one (ideally a number of) lengthy, expert, versatile wing who can knock down open pictures, change throughout a number of defensive positions, and at the least put a hand within the face of the opposite group’s greatest perimeter scorer.
Williams is a slashing, heady ahead with sturdy spot-up capturing abilities and an unselfish demeanor. He hit practically 42% of his 3-point makes an attempt (on low quantity, however encouraging) as a freshman and confirmed a willingness to make the additional cross, even when that cross didn’t lead on to a basket.
He’s a lanky, sneaky participant who can wiggle into the tooth of defenses and create openings the place none appear to exist. He can work on both finish of a pick-and-roll assault, however his greatest work comes within the open ground, both filling the lane or main the break after a rebound.
On the opposite finish, he has all of the instruments/measurables of a plus defender and will maintain up in opposition to most 2s, 3s, and 4s as soon as his physique fills out and he learns the nuances of NBA protection.
Williams does a bit little bit of every part, and he does all of it nicely. He’s one of many most secure prospects on this 12 months’s draft lottery, with upside left to satisfy.
On a scale from 1-10, Williams’ versatility charges at an 8.5.
Deadly Flaws
Whereas Williams is stable at every part, he has but to develop that single elite talent which may set him other than different 3-and-D job candidates.
On paper, his potential playmaking abilities may very well be that separator – he was a degree guard via a lot of highschool – however that skillset is solely theoretical at this level, as Williams posted a detrimental help/turnover ratio in his freshman season. Maybe these abilities will enhance with elevated ball-distribution alternatives, however at this level, it’s nonetheless a piece in progress.
He’s additionally awfully lean in comparison with the opposite, stouter gamers at his place. He’ll fill out with an NBA weights/weight loss plan routine and added maturity, however he won’t ever be one of many league’s strongest wings. This hasn’t been a major hindrance for, say, Jaden McDaniels, however ideally, Williams might add one other 10-15 kilos of muscle with out sacrificing any quickness or agility.
Despite the fact that his 3-point proportion is strictly what you’re hoping to see from a wing, his mediocre free-throw proportion (71%) – usually a greater indicator of pure capturing capacity – is a trigger for concern. And the -and-D portion of his resume could be higher served with stronger counting stats within the steals/blocks classes.
Make no mistake: Williams is sweet, with the potential to be nice. However there are solely 450 job openings, and a number of other candidates have related LinkedIn profiles.
On a scale from 1 (not a priority) to 10 (critical hindrance), Williams’ lack of a singular elite talent charges at an 8.
Pre-NBA Setting
Williams burst onto the scene as a standout at Perry Excessive College in Gilbert, instantly leaping to the highest of all Arizona scouting experiences along with his sturdy all-around sport. He received back-to-back titles in Perry and was a triple-double menace in each sport. He made the 2023 McDonald’s All-American group and took half within the Nike Hoops Summit.
He earned 5-star standing from each main recruiting service and turned down scholarship presents from way more prestigious applications to turn out to be the highest-ranked prospect in Colorado’s historical past. That versatility got here via in a giant manner for many of the Buffaloes’ season earlier than a number of damage considerations (orbital bone fracture, sprained wrist, sprained ankle) restricted his effectiveness down the stretch.
There may be hope that Williams will put these nagging accidents behind him and can have the chance to point out extra of that 5-star expertise within the NBA. If he’s anyplace close to pretty much as good as his brother, Jalen, the group that will get Cody shall be getting a star.
On a scale from 1-10, Williams’ pre-NBA profession is an 8 – would’ve been greater with out the accidents.
Perfect NBA Ecosystem
Jalen went No. 12 total in 2022 out of Santa Clara, which is about the place Cody would go in a typical draft. However each prospect will get a +7 rounding curve this 12 months, which brings Cody into the San Antonio/Detroit vary.
The Spurs make a ton of sense for Williams, as they desperately want versatile ball-movers to place round Victor Wembanyama. The Spurs ought to do every part of their energy to encompass Victor with elite shoot/cross/dribble gamers with basketball IQ to spare.
Detroit wants what Williams presents, as nicely, but it surely’s tough to get a deal with on what this franchise hopes to do to assist Cade Cunningham. It doesn’t matter what the technique is, nonetheless, Williams matches it.
Whereas it looks as if a attain to consider Williams going No. 1 total, it’s onerous to think about anybody on this draft class the Atlanta Hawks want extra. The De’Andre Hunter experiment seems to be operating out of fuel, and Williams’ upside on the place makes a ton of sense for what the Hawks try to construct. Maybe if any of the smoke round a attainable Atlanta/San Antonio swap results in hearth, Williams might find yourself in Atlanta with both No. 4 or No. 8
On a scale from 1-10, Williams’ situational independence is a 9. Each NBA group has a spot for a stable 3-and-D wing along with his size, versatility, and defensive profile.
