5. Portland Trail Blazers choose Cody Williams
Williams is back after missing more than a month with a wrist injury, and he finally missed a few 3-pointers. He was six of ten from long-range in his seven games. There are still questions about his jumper and offensive game, but the 19-year-old is a 6’8 wing with plus length and athletic ability.
He is the young brother of Oklahoma City Thunder budding star Jalen Williams, and NBA teams are excited about his defensive versatility and ability to switch. The 19-year-old is playing a bit more on the ball at Colorado, and teams want to see if he blossoms in the league like his older brother did.
Williams has star potential if he can continue developing his jumper, ball-handling, and playmaking chops. There are plenty of flashes for a guy with plus size and defensive upside. Teams who want a high ceiling could draft Williams in the top three and try to develop him into an All-Star.
The Portland Trail Blazers are in the early stages of a rebuild. They desperately need size and defense around their three small guards, and Cody Williams could become another key piece of their future. Portland could take him as a Jerami Grant replacement. The 19-year-old needs time to develop, but he could be special.