OKC Thunder NBA draft profile: Ziaire Williams – potential 2-way star

Ziaire Williams strengths and weaknesses

Strengths:

Much of the positives about Williams are based on his potential to develop into what the NBA covets – a capable two-way player. No position is sought after as much in the current era of the sport given the shift to small ball and positionless schemes.

For his size (6’9″) he’s an excellent ball-handler and passer with the potential to become elite in this category. That skill also affects the other aspects of his offense, especially when combined with his other attributes like solid footwork, fluid movement, change of pace, and overall speed.

Williams capitalizes by scoring off drives and in transition but prefers to score primarily in the mid-range or perimeter. Because of his superior ballhandling he capably scores off the bounce, on step-back shots, or creates for teammates.

Defensively he is equally adept with a 6’10.5 wingspan and a standing reach of 8’10 which is comparative to many power forwards. Given those physical traits and his existing skillset, it’s conceivable with added size he could play the power forward position in the future. Moreover, his length, and high I.Q. equate to him being a solid rebounder both on the offensive and defensive boards and allows him to be an active and disrupter defender in the passing lanes.

While his perimeter shot is subpar (29.1 percent) his free throw percentage (79.5 percent) is a good indicator Williams will be able to find success there in the future.

Weaknesses:

Williams needs to hit the weight room immediately as his 185 pounds will limit his potential at least in the early going. In particular, his lack of strength will affect his ability to defend since opponents will simply power past him.

His predictability offensively and often refusal to attack the paint equates to fewer trips to the charity stripe and makes him easier to game plan for.

The long-term potential is evident given those superior ballhandling skills and physical pluses. But work needs to be done on his shooting mechanics. Moreover, he needs to develop the confidence to mix up his choices on offense with more drives to the paint.

While that standing reach and wingspan are clear pluses his narrow shoulders might indicate he won’t be able to add much size.