With the 2024 NBA Draft a little over a month away, the Chicago Bulls are locked in to the 11th overall pick. Many have called the 2024 class one of the weaker drafts in recent memory, so there is no telling who could go could first overall and who could be available by the time Chicago is on the clock.
One player who has been linked to the Bulls in both rumors and several mock drafts is Colorado Buffaloes forward Cody Williams. Having a guard heavy roster, should the Bulls select Williams if avilable at 11?
Chicago Bulls draft: Cody Williams may have the most upside
The brother of Oklahoma City Thunder small forward Jalen Willaims, Cody already has a link to the NBA. During his time at Colorado, the freshman would only play 24 games, averaging 11.9 PPG, 3.0 RPG, and 1.6 APG on shooting splits of 55.2 percent from the field, 41.5 percent from the beyond the arc, and 71.4 percent at the line.
Williams would miss a handful of games during his time at Colorado due to several injuries including an ankle injury, wrist injury, and fractured orbital bone suffered in February. Despite the injuries, Williams still proved to be an important player for Colorado in both a starting role and coming off the bench.
Many have described Williams as a project player in a draft dominated by project players. While the Bulls could use a player who is ready to make an impact, Williams has great potential for growth. During an episode of the CHGO Bulls podcast, guest Jake Schwanitz from DNVR Buffs spoke on Williams and his potential.
"I remember I met him around this time last year for the first time and asked him why did you come to Colorado and he mentioned the strength staff there. He really wanted to focus on developing his body and you know, and lets not forget this is a 19-year-old kid still at this point, so he iss gonna grow into that body and that is something that is really going to be crucial to his development."Jake Schwanitz
Coming in at 6' 6.50" without shoes and weighing in at 178lbs, Williams will need to bulk up for his transition to the NBA. With the Bulls having needs on both ends of the court and the future of the roster unknown, Williams would be a good fit for Chicago. Williams has the potential to have the offense ran through him, taking that role at points during his time at Colorado. Described as a mature and intelligent player on the floor, Williams could quickly become a key part of Billy Donovan's rotation.
For the Bulls, their biggest needs are shooting, shot-making, and a big man with center Andre Drummond likely on his way out. If Arturas Karnisoavas sticks to what he said in the Bulls' end of season press conference, there could be big changes this offseason. The team is expected to do everything they can to move on from Zach Lavine as well as re-sign DeMar DeRozan. There is no telling with Patrick Williams, as he becomes a restricted free agent.
While Williams stats have looked impressive from the outside, they come from a small sample of games. The Bulls could use another 40%+ shooter from beyond the arc, but Cody Williams averaged just under two attempts per game, attempting just 41 threes at Colorado. Williams' defense at Colorado was praised, but would still need to develop his defense for the NBA game.
Several sports media outlets had Williams near the top of the mock drafts early this year, but due to his injuries and several other players impressing since then, Williams has dropped towards the end of the lottery in most mock drafts. If available and taken at No. 11, Williams could be seen as a steal a few years down the road.