Cody Williams, a guard from Colorado, has swiftly risen to prominence as one of the nation’s top defensive prospects within just a year. His decision to enter the 2024 NBA draft was confirmed by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, who hailed him as a potential lottery pick.
Standing at 6-foot-8 with a wingspan of 7-1, Williams utilizes his physical attributes effectively on the defensive end, earning recognition as one of the draft’s premier defenders.
As the younger sibling of Jalen Williams, a forward for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Cody made his mark during his sole season with the Colorado Buffaloes. Despite facing minor injuries that hindered his performance, he managed respectable averages of 11.9 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.6 assists.
Notably, his shooting percentages of 55.1% from the field and 41.5% from beyond the arc underscore his offensive potential, albeit somewhat limited by his injury setbacks.
Wojnarowski and Jonathan Givony highlighted Williams’ defensive tenacity, emphasizing his ability to consistently match up against opponents’ top scorers.
On offense, he demonstrated promise in transition play, leveraging his size, agility, and finishing skills to contribute effectively. While his statistical outputs may appear modest at first glance, his impact on both ends of the court garnered attention and accolades from analysts.
In various mock drafts, including Jonathan Wasserman’s projection placing him with the Chicago Bulls at No. 11, Williams’ draft position remains uncertain. His potential to thrive in a two-way role appeals to teams seeking versatile wing players, potentially positioning him within the top five selections.
However, concerns over his shooting volume and playmaking development could lead to a broader draft range, possibly spanning from the top ten to the mid-teens.
Despite the uncertainties surrounding his offensive game, Williams’ defensive prowess offers a solid foundation for success at the professional level. His combination of size, athleticism, and defensive instincts presents a valuable asset for any NBA team, setting the stage for an exciting transition to the next stage of his basketball career.
