OKC Thunder draft prospect profile: Patrick Williams
Patrick Williams strengths and weaknesses
Strengths:
Having made the point that Williams came off the bench for all 29 Florida State games it has to be noted this isn’t your typical reserve player. The forward is selfless to a fault, something that isn’t typical of incoming rookies. His IQ is also high with him typically reading plays well and making the right decisions (although the speed of the pros could change that).
In our post-game grades, T.I. often cites Steven Adams for all those little things he does that don’t show up in the box score like setting bone-jarring screens or his help defense. Williams offers similar qualities but it’s his movement off the ball that sparkles. Nothing is more troubling than players who run to a spot and stand still never moving even when the ballhandler finds themselves in tough with the defense.
Williams is the guy who’ll make cuts and run patterns just to keep the defense honest. That would be my favorite thing about him — if it weren’t for his playmaking (POTENTIAL). Although he’s turnover prone his ability to see the right play and make the right pass is something his drafting team needs to hone.
If Williams landed on a team like the Raptors or Heat I’d feel much more confident in stating his overall skillset would evolve quickly. But, if he lands on a team like the Cavaliers (whose guards already don’t like to give up the ball) or another young team he could fade into the background because his touches will be nonexistent since he’ll give up the ball as soon as he’s asked to.
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Weaknesses:
His issues with footwork and ball-handling that resulted in travel calls and turnovers will be exposed to a higher degree in the pro game. Of all the projected lottery picks Williams is the prospect who needs to land with the right team that can set proper goals for him and help him develop.
For as many raw and organic natural qualities that he showcases there is an equal number of issues that need to be tweaked or improved. That said, he’s one of the youngest prospects so there is ample time to develop his skillset if he’s willing to put in the time and effort.
He’s a team player to a fault and needs to figure out how to mix in the grit that should be a part of his demeanor as a frontcourt player. The question is whether he’s simply a great teammate or too passive.