Potential OKC Thunder Target Rises on ESPN Draft Board
After what felt like a crushing loss to the Charlotte Hornets last season, Oklahoma City Thunder rookie Jalen Williams drearily watched the McDonald All-American game with a few Thunder media members around.
Williams was tuned in to watch his younger brother, 5-star recruit and Colorado commit Cody Williams.
Now, just over nine months later, Cody has become a premier draft prospect himself.
While Williams has only played seven games due to a wrist injury, the Gilbert, AZ, native is averaging 14 points, 3.6 rebounds and two assists per game while shooting 62.3% from the field and 60% from 3-point range.
According to ESPN, Williams is set to return to action later this week.
After sitting at No. 10 in the last ESPN Draft Board, the skilled freshman climbed all the way to No. 3 in the most recent edition.
With a willingness to pass, a good shot and stout defense, Williams fits some of the key requirements for what Sam Presti seems to covet in a Thunder player. If Williams continue to impress this season, OKC has the ammunition to trade up in the draft and select the Colorado standout.
Listed at 6-foot-8 and 190 pounds, Williams has the size to play forward but can guard players on the perimeter and take the ball up the floor. Coming out of high school, the former 5-star prospect was rated the No. 4 player in the nation behind only Ron Holland, Isaiah Collier and Justin Edwards.
According to ESPN's Jeremy Woo, Williams, "offers intrigue with his mix of size, length, passing instincts and defensive acumen, presenting intriguing upside for him to grow on both ends."
Woo also mentioned that Williams is somewhat raw and will need need time to grow into his role in the NBA, especially as a ball handler.
If the Rockets draft pick, which the Thunder own this season, ends up in the lottery, it would not be surprising to see OKC show interest in Williams due to his talent, mentality and playstyle.
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