One person’s evaluation at ESPN has him potentially going at 58…
“A first-team All-Big Ten player as a junior, Williams drew little to no attention from NBA teams upon entering the draft last spring and did not receive an invite to the G League Elite Camp.
Fast forward to the winter and things are looking up for Williams, as his increased productivity has made him one of the most valuable and well-rounded players in college for a No. 3 ranked Purdue team that has national championship aspirations.
Williams came to West Lafayette as a 320-pound, 17-year-old with an inconsistent motor. Now down nearly 70 pounds as a senior, he put on a major show for several NBA decision-makers at Barclays Center in Brooklyn last weekend, posting 22 points, 12 rebounds, 9 assists, 4 blocks and 2 steals, playing a season-high 33 minutes in an overtime win over North Carolina State.
Still lacking quickness or explosiveness, Williams' virtues as a prospect start with his incredible basketball mind. Purdue runs a huge amount of offense through him, taking advantage of his ability to make every pass. He is a reliable creator from the perimeter, operating out of jab steps or sharp crossovers, as he is impressive as a pick-and-roll finisher and post player. He's a magnet for fouls, flashes creativity with his finishes around the basket and has exceptional footwork, making him a mismatch and a one-man offense in times of need.
Williams has also made significant strides defensively. While not much of a rim protector, he's been effective in switching or blitzing screens on the perimeter, generating 2.4 steals per-40 minutes. Undersized for a center, while not blessed with great quickness or leaping ability, there are obvious questions Williams will face, even though his awareness and smarts should help.
Developing a jump shot would go a long way in increasing his odds of carving out a NBA career, as he's made just two of six shots from outside the paint this season and is a career 51% shooter from the free throw line.
Younger than many juniors currently projected to be drafted, Williams has put himself on the radar of NBA scouts as a potential draft pick.”
“A first-team All-Big Ten player as a junior, Williams drew little to no attention from NBA teams upon entering the draft last spring and did not receive an invite to the G League Elite Camp.
Fast forward to the winter and things are looking up for Williams, as his increased productivity has made him one of the most valuable and well-rounded players in college for a No. 3 ranked Purdue team that has national championship aspirations.
Williams came to West Lafayette as a 320-pound, 17-year-old with an inconsistent motor. Now down nearly 70 pounds as a senior, he put on a major show for several NBA decision-makers at Barclays Center in Brooklyn last weekend, posting 22 points, 12 rebounds, 9 assists, 4 blocks and 2 steals, playing a season-high 33 minutes in an overtime win over North Carolina State.
Still lacking quickness or explosiveness, Williams' virtues as a prospect start with his incredible basketball mind. Purdue runs a huge amount of offense through him, taking advantage of his ability to make every pass. He is a reliable creator from the perimeter, operating out of jab steps or sharp crossovers, as he is impressive as a pick-and-roll finisher and post player. He's a magnet for fouls, flashes creativity with his finishes around the basket and has exceptional footwork, making him a mismatch and a one-man offense in times of need.
Williams has also made significant strides defensively. While not much of a rim protector, he's been effective in switching or blitzing screens on the perimeter, generating 2.4 steals per-40 minutes. Undersized for a center, while not blessed with great quickness or leaping ability, there are obvious questions Williams will face, even though his awareness and smarts should help.
Developing a jump shot would go a long way in increasing his odds of carving out a NBA career, as he's made just two of six shots from outside the paint this season and is a career 51% shooter from the free throw line.
Younger than many juniors currently projected to be drafted, Williams has put himself on the radar of NBA scouts as a potential draft pick.”
