NBA Draft Prospect- Cody Williams
Colorado Youngster Could go Top-5 in the 2024 NBA Draft
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Photo: University of Colorado Athletics
At Draft Nation, the NBA draft talk never ends. We will get you ready for the 2024 draft with player profiles and mock drafts so you can see who your favorite team may add to their roster.
Today’s Spotlight - Colorado, Forward, Cody Williams
Name- Cody Williams
Pos- Forward
Team- Colorado
HT/WT- 6’8” 190 lbs
Born- 11/20/2004
Home – San Luis Obispo, CA
Williams was born in San Luis Obispo, California and grew up in Gilbert, Arizona after his family moved there when he was young. His older brother is Jalen Williams, who plays for the Oklahoma Thunder in the NBA.
Williams was a consensus 5-star recruit coming out of Perry High School. As a junior, the youngster was named the Premier Region Player of the Year after averaging 13 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals per game as Perry won the Class 6A state championship. He averaged 18.4 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4 assists per game as a senior, leading the Pumas to their 2nd consecutive state championship
After his decorated high school career, Williams was selected to play in the 2023 McDonald’s All-American Boys Game and for Team USA in the Nike Hoops Summit.
After high school Williams had a slew of options and decided to play college basketball at the University of Colorado where he became the highest-ranked recruit in program history. He has been impressive out of the gate for the Buffaloes. He was averaging 14.0 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2 assists in 7 games but was sidelined with a wrist injury. He came back in early January and finished the season with a 11.9 points per game average while hauling in 3.0 rebounds per game in 18 starts and 24 total games.
Williams is versatile and can play multiple positions, even being considered a “point forward” if needed. He is smooth and agile and a team can run an offense through him. He has above average play making skills and does a good job of facilitating the ball to teammates. He’s effective inside the arc and has a solid mid range game, and has the ability to drive on defenders who overcommit. He is a finisher at the rim and does so with power. When shooting the ball, he has an efficient jump shot even though it is not the smoothest stroke. WIth his build and length he is able to cover anywhere he is needed and does a good job of covering space quickly.
On the downside, Williams needs to add muscle and weight to his frame before taking his game to the next level. He is not known for being a consistent 3-point shooter, and he tends to give up open looks to pass or drive the ball. He is more or less a straight line penetrator and lacks the explosion first-step off of the dribble. His overall shooting can be improved and he needs to be less reluctant to shoot an outside shot.
Cody Williams reminds Draft Nation of Scottie Barnes. Barnes was the #4 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft by the Toronto Raptors after spending 1 year at Florida State. The versatility that Barnes shows in the NBA leads to a lot of mismatches in playing Toronto. He is 6’7” with long arms and can cover anywhere on the court.
Williams has the same ability as Barnes, with the ability to dribble the ball up the court one time, and then post up the next time down.
Strengths
- Solid finisher
- Versatile
- Playmaker
- Length
Weaknesses
- Reluctant to shoot outside
- Explosive first step
- Jump shot mechanics
Final Analysis
Cody Williams has a chance to be that next versatile NBA star that can do a little bit of everything while out on the court. His athleticism is off the charts and he can run an offense, giving his coach many different ways of using him. If he continues to improve his 3-point shooting throughout his 2023-2024 season, he could definitely be seen as a top 5 pick.
Draft 412 Draft Prediction - Top 10/ Lottery
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