Cody Williams' one improvement might make him one of the Jazz's starters

Cody Williams came with plenty of hype when the Utah Jazz drafted him. Williams has the time to acclimate himself because he is a rookie on a team with no intention of winning too much. However, if he plays his cards right, he could come into the season as the Jazz's starting small forward.

This isn't just about his potential or his talent but also because the Jazz don't really have a clear-cut option at starting small forward unless they plan to start Markkanen there. That's why he and Svi Mykhailiuk could make for one of their best training camp battles.

Expecting a rookie to come in and thrive right away might be a little too much, too soon on Williams' end, even if the Jazz don't have much to boast in the wing department. However, the Jazz picking him at No. 10 signifies that they believe in his potential.

With all of that being said, Williams is unproven until further notice. However, some of his quotes after training camp on October 2 could very well end with him getting the nod as their starting small forward.

Williams says he's put on muscle during the summer

Williams came into the NBA noted for his skinny frame, which could be a problem going up against NBA players. However, Williams told reporters that he made it a priority to add some muscle to his frame.

“Focused on just staying here, obviously getting stronger, getting used to lifting, and practicing at the NBA level,” Williams told reporters, per KSL's Sports' Ben Anderson.

More than that, Williams said that doing this has helped him improve his defense.

“On the court, it just feels like more balance,” Williams said. “It’s harder for people to beat me off the dribble, .I’m able to get lower and fight better.”

Williams also acknowledged that it will take more than that for him to turn into an NBA-caliber defender.

“For me, it’s learning angles, getting really good at playing passing angles and driving lane angles, and just using my length to be disruptive,” Williams said.

If true, it's good news for the Jazz and Williams' chances of being in the starting lineup. Mykhailiuk is an NBA journeyman but has remained in the league for a reason. His presence will serve as a bar that Williams will have to reach if he wants to secure his spot as a starter.

Even if he gets the starting nod, expectations should also be kept in check for Williams for the time being because expecting too much from him can lead to quick disappointment. The bar set for him is being an NBA starter for the time being. He certainly could be capable of more, but if he earns and keeps his role as the team's starting forward for Utah, that should be considered a success.