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The Detroit Pistons should target Grant Williams in the NBA Draft

By Spyros Papadakos

CHICAGO, IL - MAY 17: Grant Williams of Tennessee works out during the 2019 NBA Combine at Quest MultiSport Complex on May 17, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.(Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - MAY 17: Grant Williams of Tennessee works out during the 2019 NBA Combine at Quest MultiSport Complex on May 17, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.(Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY – MARCH 28: Grant Williams #2 of the Tennessee Volunteers battles for a rebound with Sasha Stefanovic #55 of the Purdue Boilermakers during the first half of the 2019 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament South Regional at the KFC YUM! Center on March 28, 2019 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY – MARCH 28: Grant Williams #2 of the Tennessee Volunteers battles for a rebound with Sasha Stefanovic #55 of the Purdue Boilermakers during the first half of the 2019 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament South Regional at the KFC YUM! Center on March 28, 2019 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Feel for the game

Grant Williams is believed by many scouts to be the most intelligent player in recent drafts. He was also measured to weigh 240 lbs with 5.4 percent body fat.  That combination of IQ and strength is what makes him a unique prospect.

On offense, he uses his wide frame to set crippling screens and absorb contact before he gets his shot off. That’s how he manages to finish against significantly longer players and why there’s evidence to believe his game will translate in the NBA.

And because he has great touch and a good feel for the game, he consistently got opponents to bite on pump fakes and draw fouls. Punishing players with their “hand in the cookie jar”, ala Joel Embiid, was also common for him. He ranked eleventh in free throw attempts in the NCAA.

In college, he made a lot of his buckets in the post, which he won’t be able to do as often in the NBA. Nonetheless, he’ll be able to punish smaller players on switches which is an important trait in today’s NBA.

Another significant part of his game is his playmaking ability. Passing out of double teams was a commonality for Williams last year. He won’t draw many doubles at the next level but he’ll be able to use his passing ability to find the open player in many different scenarios. He’s one of the most talented passers in the draft.

One of the biggest problems teams in the playoffs face is creating offense when opponents take away their primary threat. Williams provides a great safety valve that can attack a “4 on 3” scenario and consistently find the open player.

In any case, he’ll keep the offense moving smoothly from one action into the next because he has that ability to make quick decisions and assess what the defense gives you. He’ll get the ball and if he doesn’t see an immediate opening he’ll quickly pass it or hand it off to a player on the weak side and make the next read. He keeps the offense flowing.

On defense, Grant Williams offers a rare combination of elite positioning and strength to block opponents’ path to the basket. Other players might possess the length to bother shots more effectively but they won’t always be there to contest. Williams rarely misses a rotation and times his rotations excellently.

Versatility is a big thing for him as well. He can guard smaller players on the perimeter by getting really low on his stance and moving his feet. He can also bang up with taller guys with his big frame. PJ Tucker is an excellent comparison in my opinion concerning the defensive versatility and grit Williams offers.

Communication on defense is often undervalued but plays a big part in team defense. In Williams, the Pistons will find a guy that will coordinate their defense, call coverage and see plays before they even happen.

Miscommunication is a big reason why defenses break down, so getting that kind of guy could fix a lot of the defensive errors certain lineups make. Shout out to Aron Baynes.

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