Bursting on the scene this year, Jalen Williams showed marked improvement in nearly every area of the game during his junior season at Santa Clara. Formerly mocked to be a second-round talent, Williams has now generated enough buzz to potentially even be drafted as high as the lottery. Having the tools necessary to fulfill the vaunted ‘3-and-D’ role at the NBA level, Williams is a prospect that should certainly pique the interest of the Chicago Bulls.
Here’s a look at Jalen Williams’ 2022 NBA Draft Profile.
Physical Measurements
- Age: 21
- Height: 6’4.5″
- Weight: 209 pounds
- Wingspan: 7’2.25″
- Standing Reach: 8’9.5″
Box Score Statistics
- Points: 18.0
- Rebounds: 4.4
- Assists: 4.2
- Blocks: 0.5
- Steals: 1.2
- Field Goal Percentage: 51.3%
- 3-Point Percentage: 39.6%
- Free Throw Percentage: 80.9%
Strengths
For a wing, Jalen Williams displays a surprising amount of playmaking ability. Whether he’s getting out in transition or making the right pass in half-court sets, Williams has a knack for finding his man and creating easy shot opportunities. Williams takes care of the ball well, a 2-to-1 assist to turnover ratio is something you love to see from a high usage prospect on the wing.
Speaking of high usage, Williams hasn’t allowed his role at Santa Clara to affect his efficiency. Williams maintained impressive shooting splits despite being the clear primary option on offense. This bodes well for his shooting translating to the NBA.
Weaknesses
Williams is a little on the short end compared to the small forwards he’d be matched up against in the NBA. His height also factors into explaining why Williams is a poor rebounder. While he reeled in 4.4 rebounds per game, only 13.6% of those were on the offensive glass, so don’t expect him to outmuscle the competition for boards.
Williams has also yet to make use of his impressive wingspan, as he’s not quite the defender most teams would want him to be yet. But with his physical attributes and attitude, he definitely still has upside on the defensive end of things.
Jalen Williams is a prospect that needs to be on the Chicago Bulls’ radar.
Potential Fit on the Bulls
If the Bulls were to draft Jalen Williams, he’d be given a reasonable low-pressure role in the rotation right away. With his only true competition for minutes being JaVonte Green, Williams should reasonably be able to carve out a role as the primary reserve wing relatively quickly. For a Bulls bench unit that’s desperately starved for shooting and playmaking, adding Williams to the rotation would immediately inject some life into the second unit.
NBA Comparisons
- T.J. Warren
- Kelly Oubre Jr.
- Devin Vassell
Should the Bulls consider drafting Jalen Williams?
Jalen Williams hasn’t been rocketing up big boards for no reason, he’s the real deal. I believe he has the tools every NBA team is looking for and should be worthy of receiving playing time right out of the gate. His shooting, passing, and general feel for basketball are all right where you want them to be, it’s just a matter of whether or not he can make the most of his impressive frame defensively.
If Williams can take that next step and become a Mikal Bridges or OG Anunoby-type player for a team, he’ll enjoy a very successful NBA career. I also think it’s much more likely Williams takes that last step to become a complete player than some of the other prospects in this range of the draft.
Verdict: Yes, Jalen Williams will be one of the best potential options on the board at No. 18, and would be a smooth fit with this Bulls roster.