Cavs 2022 NBA Draft Notebook: Jalen Williams Scouting Report
Can he contribute right away?
The biggest question the Cavaliers will have regarding Williams is if he will be able to make an impact early on next season. After playing three years in college, against weak competition, the question has to be asked. However, his numbers seem to indicate that his competition doesn’t really make a difference.
He has a sturdy and solid frame with a strong lower body, so he will be able to handle the physicality of the NBA. On top of that, shooting 40% from three, and over 50% from the field, isn’t just a fluke. He has a solid shooting form, but his shot selection makes him one of the better scorers I’ve taken a look at.
The only thing really lacking from Williams’ play is his mid-range game. Right now he attacks the basket or settles for a three. There were instances of it, but with quickness limitiations, he will need to continue to develop more of a pull-up game, which shouldn’t be difficult considering he gets a lot of separation on defenders. There were flashes, to reiterate; he just needs to demonstrate more of that to be an effective counter.
But, unlike Johnny Davis, Williams will have to improve his rebounding and his defense as well. His frame and build should suit him well at the next level, though, and if he puts in the effort, he can be a very good two-way player right away for the Cavaliers next year.
Overall, there are so many wing prospects to think about for the 2022 NBA Draft. As I stated, guys like Shaedon Sharpe and Bennedict Mathurin are near-locks to be high draft picks. However, as this process moves along, it’s looking more and more likely the Cavs will have to make a choice when making the 14th pick. If Johnny Davis is on the board, how can you turn down his defensive ceiling and shot-making? At the same time, Malaki Branham looks like he could average 15 and five next year.
dark. Next. Could Cavs trade up with the Kings to No. 4 in the draft?
So, while the 14th pick is not as high as I would like, I do think the Cavaliers will have a few good options at 14, and that includes Williams.