The NBA draft is almost here, and the Milwaukee Bucks have many ways they can go with the 24th pick. One player that they may consider selecting if he’s available is Jalen Williams out of Santa Clara. Here is a look at what Williams brings to the table and how he would fit with the Bucks.
Jalen Williams
- College: Santa Clara
- Position: Wing
- Height: 6’6″
- Weight: 200 lbs
- Draft Age: 21
- Stats: 18.0 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game
- 51 percent from the field, 40 percent from three, 81 percent from the line
Milwaukee Bucks Draft Scouting Report: Jalen Williams – Strengths
Offensive Creation
Jalen Williams can do so much offensively. He has a tremendous combination of size, passing, and scoring, and he is very good running the pick-and-roll. He ranked in the 89th percentile as a scorer and passer out of the pick-and-roll, and he can find open teammates, dribble into jumpers, or take it to the lane and finish with his insane 7’2″ wingspan. He is a really good passer and ball handler which allows him to play like a point guard, but can also score off the dribble over anyone from three, midrange, or on floaters with his length. He also is very good in transition and can score or facilitate on the break. Williams is someone who can create offense for himself and for others in a variety of ways, and there is almost nothing he can’t do offensively.
Catch-and-Shoot Threat
Not only is Williams a dynamic threat to score with the ball in his hands, but he can play off the ball and hit spot up threes as well. He shot an absurd 46.3 percent on spot up catch-and-shoot threes last season and 48.4 percent on all catch-and-shoot jumpers in the half court, both ranking among the best in the nation. On his contested catch-and-shoot jumpers, he shot 61.5 percent, the best of any player in college basketball last season. He has a smooth, quick release and can shoot off screens, movement, hand offs, or spotting up. He has improved a ton as a shooter and is now one of the best in the class based on the numbers last season.
Length
As mentioned, Williams has an insane 7’2″ wingspan while standing just 6’6″. This helps him in so many ways, whether it be defending, finishing at the rim, or getting his shot off when contested. He has the ideal length and wingspan that teams want out of a wing, and this is something that really raises his ceiling on both ends of the court.
Defensive Potential
Williams is not the greatest defender, but he is still good, and the potential to get better is there. His wingspan alone makes him a capable on-ball defender who can swarm opponents with his length, but he also gives great effort on that end and is always engaged. He has the tools to be really good defensively if he can put it together, but his defensive floor seems fine to begin with because of his length and effort.