Thunder select Jalen Williams with No. 12 pick
The Oklahoma City Thunder selected Santa Clara guard Jalen Williams with the No. 12 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft.
Williams, the first Broncos player to be drafted since Steve Nash in 1996, played two under-the-radar seasons in the WCC before bursting onto the draft scene with a masterful junior campaign. His blend of scoring prowess, shooting efficiency, and playmaking skills made him the only D-I player in 2021-22 to average at least 18 points and four assists per game while hitting at least 50% from the field and 35% from 3-point range.
The first-team All-WCC member also turned heads at the combine, finishing top five overall in the three-quarter sprint and both standing and max vertical leaps. Despite standing at just 6-foot-6, his enormous 7-foot-2 wingspan is a huge benefit when projecting his defensive versatility at the next level.
Williams is the definition of a late bloomer, going from a borderline NBA-level prospect to a first-round pick within the span of one year. The 21-year-old could still improve, and his shooting, athleticism, and measurables should allow him to make an impact in the league at some point.
Bio
Position: Guard
School: Santa Clara
College experience: Junior
Height: 6-foot-6
Weight: 209 lbs
Wingspan: 7-foot-2
Max vertical: 39 inches
Strengths
- Efficient perimeter shooter who improved over his college career
- Great passer for his position, strong court vision
- Giant wingspan allows him to guard multiple positions defensively
- End-to-end speed and vertical jump allow him to wreak havoc in transition
- Aggressive defensive approach leads to many steals
Weaknesses
- Not a great finisher around the basket
- Lateral quickness needs improvement
- Can get into foul trouble due to overaggressive defense