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

Pro Comparison:

The comparisons provided by analysts are Brandon Ingram, Cam Reddish, and Rashard Lewis. That’s an impressive trio. The comparison to Ingram makes sense given their lanky frames while Lewis would be the player Williams should aim to emulate with his shooting prowess and defensive ability.

OKC Thunder fit:

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It’s understandable why the mock drafts have a 16 spot variance. Some clubs will see Williams’ potential and high ceiling and be keen to make the investment. Others may be antsy given his frame and lack of aggression to get mixed up in the paint.

If he’s already shying away from contact versus college opponents imagine what he’ll do when facing pros.

The California native could be on the board when Sam Presti selects at 16th or 18th. In this case, it’s not about having patience or taking a risk the Thunder VP has already demonstrate his openness to doing that by trading up to grab Aleksej Pokusevski last season — another rail-thin player.

Williams also fits the positionless scheme Mark Daigneault is utilizing and his passing would be a definite plus. Rather, the question is whether the Thunder will want to use those picks to add perimeter scorers or players with a higher ceiling to develop offensively.