4. Jaylin Williams (Arkansas)
Jaylin Williams has played a key role in Arkansas’ success this season, particularly after the winter break. Williams averaged 13 points, 10 rebounds, one block and two steals in 30 minutes per game over the last few months. For reference, Gonzaga big man Chet Holmgren averages 14 points and nine rebounds per game, while Auburn’s big man Jabari Smith averages 15 points and seven rebounds.
Williams is a big man with a great feel for the game, regularly hitting cutters with his passes from the box. He’s also a very capable defender, contesting guards at the rim and taking charges when needed.
With Nikola Vucevic in and out of the lineup the last couple years, the Bulls always need insurance off the bench. Thompson has been that for the Bulls since joining the team. If he decides to play another year with Chicago, he can be the perfect mentor for Williams — similar to what Andre Iguodala has been for Jordan Poole on the Warriors.
If Thompson decides to retire, Williams role will be forced to learn on the fly and serve as the primary big off the bench, which he’s also capable of doing. Being next to White, Alex Caruso and Patrick Williams will give Williams the opportunity to let his offensive game develop slower while he focuses on getting acclimated to NBA speed defensively.
In the SEC, he has defended former and potential lottery picks. He’s played and held his own against NBA-caliber talent and could be the missing piece in turning the Bulls into a lockdown defensive team.