Cavs 2022 NBA Draft Notebook: Jalen Williams Scouting Report

Jalen Williams Scouting Report

Height/Weight: 6’6″, 195 LBS

Three Point/Field Goal/Free Throw: 40%/51%/81%

2021-2022 Santa Clara Stats: 18.0 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 4.2 APG

A three-year player at Santa Clara, Williams had a great third year in terms efficiency. Shooting 40% from the three-point line in college is no easy task, especially when you are the focus of the opposing team’s defense, which was the case the majority of the time for Williams. Even still, Williams was easily able to break down defenses this year on his own.

He is a great shot-creator, getting separation rather easily. The thing that really sets Williams apart from other wing prospects is that he’s very patient and has great shot selection.

We’ve seen it so many times, a young high-flying guard comes into the league and immediately attempts 18 shots per game. That is definitely not Williams. In fact, I would think that the Cavaliers coaching staff would tell him to shoot more often, feasibly in a rotational role at least to start out. He’s also very smooth attacking the basket and in transition, where he can be the finisher or the guy who makes the pass.

On the defensive end, Williams is very intriguing. His 7’2″ wingspan could make him a very switchable wing player. On top of that he defends well without using his hands, which is rare for college players.

One of the biggest criticisms of Williams is that he isn’t as explosive as some of the other players that will be taken in the lottery. While that might scare some teams off, it likely would not discourage Koby Altman and the front office.