Patrick Williams – All-Rookie First Team
Something that feels a little more attainable is Patrick Williams‘ spot in the All-Rookie First Team. Despite being the fourth pick in this year’s draft, the former Florida State Seminole and ACC Sixth Man of the Year were questioned by many as to whether he garnered such a high selection.
But with over half the season gone he has proven a lot of the doubters wrong, and has easily solidified his spot in the starting lineup, producing so well he may have even gotten Otto Porter Jr. out of Chicago as a result of it.
Averaging 9.8 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.3 assists this year, his stats don’t jump off the page. But his impact was felt on both sides of the court, oftentimes taking the opposing team’s best wing player, and being able to hit the three-ball on offense at a respectable margin (38 percent on over two attempts per game).
At times he has been able to show flashes of some on-ball shot creation, and his mid-range game is looking more and more refined as the games go by. After all, you have to have some talent if LeBron James is going to praise you after only one month in the NBA.
"“I think he’s going to be an exceptional talent,” James said of Williams. “Long arms. He has Kawhi-type hands that I noticed out on the floor, so I knew I couldn’t play with the ball much. And you could tell that he’s just laser sharp on trying to get better and better.” (per NBC Sports)"
With three of the All-Rookie spots being all but taking up already (between LaMelo Ball, Tyrese Haliburton and Anthony Edwards), it’ll be interesting to see if Williams can sneak into the conversation. If he can continue the way he’s playing, he will be in with a good shout.