Why Did the Utah Jazz Draft Cody Williams? A Deeper Dive

With the 10th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, the Utah Jazz selected Cody Williams, an athletic and versatile wing with a high ceiling. Danny Ainge has swung for the fences with this pick, and Williams will either be a home run or a pop out.

Bio

Williams earned a five-star rating out of high school after leading his team to consecutive state championships in his junior and senior seasons and received Premier Region Player of the Year honors. Last season at the University of Colorado, Williams was named to the 2024 PAC-12 All-Freshman Team.

The one-and-done prospect has always been associated with the word "potential." He has shown flashes but has never been able to consistently showcase his elite talent. This is partially due to his only playing in high school and one year in college, but the question remains whether he can put it all together to translate it to the NBA.

Measurables

Williams is a six-foot-seven, 178-pound wing who could play the two-guard, wing, or stretch-four if needed. He could even handle the ball if necessary, but that likely won't be asked of him often at this level. He is an elite driver and efficient three-point scorer, although with limited volume. He averaged 11.9 points, three rebounds, and 1.6 assists a game while shooting 41.5% from three at Colorado in 28.1 minutes per game.

Williams also has the build to be a high-level defender. With a seven-foot-one wingspan and eight-foot-seven standing reach, Williams could be a massive problem for opposing offenses.

Fit

Williams projects as a developmental player, as he'll likely need a couple of years before becoming a staple in the lineup, but it's up to the Jazz just how many minutes they want from him in the rotation, and up to him to earn those minutes.

Williams projects to be a 3&D Wing at the next level with the potential to grow into a driving threat as well. He already has a strong drive, but he needs to continue developing his consistency at all levels of his game.

Downside

Williams has all the tools but has struggled to consistently perform at the highest level. He only broke 20 points three times while at Colorado, had turnover issues, and never broke six rebounds and four assists in a game. This, however, is not necessarily an indication of his future, as it often takes freshman most of the season to acclimate to the college game. It will take just as long, if not longer, for Williams to adapt to the NBA.