NBA Draft 2019 Prospect Watch: Grant Williams
![COLUMBUS, OHIO - MARCH 22: Grant Williams #2 of the Tennessee Volunteers reacts during the first half against the Colgate Raiders in the first round of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Nationwide Arena on March 22, 2019 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) COLUMBUS, OHIO - MARCH 22: Grant Williams #2 of the Tennessee Volunteers reacts during the first half against the Colgate Raiders in the first round of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Nationwide Arena on March 22, 2019 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/51166ae8dbf95f9ad76b9b5ac47a23bb3a544dc390820ad9ee6f9fc074f5a27a.jpg)
Strengths
Williams arguably stands as one of the most physically developed prospects in this draft class, thanks to the overwhelming strength he possesses.
That helps the Houston native both bully his way to the basket whether on straight line drives or in the post, as well as to stand strong when checking otherwise larger players and/or centers. The combination of that and Williams’ skilled shooting touch makes him an excellent finisher at the cup as he converted a whopping 72.3 percent of his 152 attempts that came within the restricted area, per Will Schreefer’s shot chart tool at The Stepien.
When not showcasing his touch at the basket, Williams is capable of knocking down shots from mid-range and logs numerous trips to the free throw line (Williams averaged 8.8 free throw attempts per 40 minutes over his three years in Knoxville).
Williams’ ball skills are equally impressive and inform his playmaking abilities and overall vision as he posted a 1.40 assist-to-turnover ratio this season.
Defensively, Williams’ strong defensive awareness and aforementioned strength makes him an imposing presence both on and off the ball and can hold his own both protecting the basket and/or defending in space. Additionally, Williams regularly crashes the glass and can fend off opposing players when boxing out as well.