Cavs: 3 prospects who could be 2020 NBA Draft’s Kevin Porter Jr.

Cleveland Cavaliers’ KPJ-like 2020 prospect #3: Patrick Williams, Forward – Florida State

Patrick Williams is an intriguing prospect and could end up being a viable piece for the Cavaliers if put into the right position to succeed. Williams’ baseline statistics of 9.2 points and 4.0 rebounds per game at Florida State, per Sports Reference, may seem underwhelming but there is some context behind that.

The Florida State Seminoles, whose head coach is Leonard Hamilton, run an 11-man lineup, seeing many players touch the ball and take shots. Looking at this, you could see why Williams’ baseline stats are as low as they are.

Williams looks to measure out as a big wing player, standing at 6-foot-8 and weighing 225 pounds. This size would add versatility for the Cavaliers in the frontcourt as it seems, as he can play both forward positions if needed. Despite his slow form, Williams has flashed the ability to knock down the three ball, as he shot 32.0 percent from deep on 50 attempts at Florida State.

Williams’ strengths seem to be his high basketball IQ as well as his team-oriented play. Looking at his scouting report from Pearlman, Williams is said to have “PnR ability on ball” and is looked at as a “nice Catch-and-Shoot shooter.” Williams also has a functional handle and a great first step for someone of his size.

Defensively, Williams uses his 6-foot-11 wingspan to contest shots and could be a nice rim protector for the Cavs in due time. He had 1.8 blocks per-40 minutes in his lone collegiate season.

Looking at some of his flaws, though, he may need to make some leaps athletically to improve his defense and is someone who falls for fakes but, these are things that can be fixed over time.

With him not even turning 19 until August, Williams is still a raw prospect and it may be a few years before we see him start to take off. The uncertainties surrounding Kevin Love down the road it seems from a rebuilding standpoint makes Williams a likely pick if he were to be on the board if the Cavs were to acquire a later pick, feasibly near the end of the 2020 NBA Draft’s first round.

Looking at what Williams could bring to the Cavs, his versatility could make for some creative lineups by head coach J.B. Bickerstaff, too.

Williams’ IQ on the offensive and defensive end are needed by the Cavaliers and if this potential pick were to hit, it could see the Cavaliers adding a reliable starter.