The fun thing about the annual NBA Draft is that you have such a high variety of players. Some could be four-year seniors, others coming from overseas and others being one year removed from high school. Colorado forward Cody Williams believes that he did enough in his lone year in college to not only be selected in the 2024 NBA Draft, but as a likely first rounder.
Cody Williams Draft Profile
Williams played in 24 games a s a freshman and started 18 of them for the Buffaloes. He was the first five-star recruit as well as the highest rated commit in program history. The 6-7 forward played in 24 games and started 18 of them. Williams averaged 11.9 points, three rebounds, 1.6 assists in 28.1 minutes per game. He was named to the Pac-12’s All-Freshman Team. He is the brother of Thunder forward Jalen Williams.
Strengths
Williams has a 7-1 wingspan which helps provide length to whatever lineup he is in. He can be hit from beyond the arc and has talent as a slasher to create opportunities at the rim. Williams is talented at spreading the floor and what he sometimes lack on offense, he makes up for with tenacious defense.
Weaknesses
The biggest knock on Williams has been his inconsistency and his size. He had an up-and-down freshman season and teams likely would’ve loved the chance to see how he could develop in another year at Colorado. Instead, they will have to develop him in the NBA and one of the first things they need to do is get him to be stronger, because at 178 pounds, he’s going to get pushed around at the next level.
Player comparison: Brandon Ingram
When looking at Williams’ current size, it’s hard not to compare him to Ingram. They are both lanky with not as much strength in their frames as you would like. This led to injuries early in Ingram’s career, but he has developed into a solid complement to Zion Williamson. Whatever team takes Williams will hope that they draft the player that he was when he was at his best and not the one that struggled out of the gate as a freshman.