OKC Thunder draft prospect profile: Patrick Williams

Pro Comparison:

Kevin O’Connor of the Ringer suggests Danilo Gallinari and PJ Tucker as comparable talents. Others point to OG Anunoby. Each example can shoot well from the perimeter and two of the three talents are considered top two-way players.

As far as those who caution about Williams 32 percent 3-point shot there is room to believe he can develop and find range especially given his 83.8 percent free-throw shooting efficiency.

Considering Draft Net points to Anunoby that’s pretty impressive company for Williams to be linked to. In the Isaac Okoro prospect profile T.I. noted OG did not shoot well from the charity stripe or perimeter in his sophomore year but in his third season is shooting over 70 percent and 39 percent from the charity stripe and perimeter respectively.

OKC Thunder fit:

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Williams is the type of player Sam Presti would love given his likable character, strong defensive fundamentals, and potential. However, he’s very much in the same category as the other projected lottery picks. Specifically, outside of Killian Hayes and Deni Avdija (and possibly Haliburton), I wouldn’t suggest Presti trade up to land those individuals, especially if it meant giving up future draft picks.

There are compelling prospects in this draft and far more interesting than most pundits led us to believe initially. However, short of Presti pulling a magician like trade he shouldn’t be jumping into the fray this year and giving up precious picks when the next two draft classes will blow this one away.

There are lots of talents in this class who can be nurtured and developed but in truth none worthy of giving up picks from 2021 or 2022 for.

Analysts have stated there is a trio of top talents in this draft (LaMelo Ball, James Wiseman, Anthony Edwards). While that assessment may be right there are three others I prefer given their upside. Two you’ve already discovered via their profiles (Killian Hayes, Deni Avdija), and another is coming in the next group of profiles.