2022 NBA Mock Draft: 5 forwards with Boston Celtics written all over them
Jaylin Williams, Arkansas 6-10 240
10.9 Pts .239 3P percent 9.8 Reb 2.6 Ast 1.1 Blk
As a long-time advocate for the Boston Celtics adding a second rim runner to back-up Robert Williams, there may not be a better option than Jaylin Williams. He’s not the athlete that Robert is, but Jaylin does a lot of the little things really well.
NBADraft.net compares Jaylin Williams to Milwaukee Buck Bobby Portis. While Celtics fans may not had enjoyed Portis and his histrionics during the second round series, but everyone should respect what he brought to the table. The best compliment Portis deserves is you hate playing against him, but you’d love him if he was on your team.
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Based on Williams’ scouting reports, he would attract similar passion from fans as well. The former Razorback nearly averaged a double-double and a block in his sophomore season. Williams also has great court vision for a big man. It’s so good, Williams has a highlight video of just his assists.
Celtics fans would love the skills mentioned above coming off the bench. What would draw the ire of opposing fans is Williams’ ability to draw charges. Williams is like a 6-10 Marcus Smart with his ability to anticipate and put his body on the line for the team. Williams is so prolific at drawing charges that, just like his assists, Williams has a highlight reel of charges drawn.
Williams checks a lot of boxes as a player, but three point shooting isn’t one of them. He shot just .239 percent from distance in his sophomore year. He showed a lot more promise as a freshman, connecting on .304 percent on threes, but it was a low volume of attempts. Optimistically one could believe Williams could become better, but he’d have to become a lot better to be a legitimate threat from behind the line.
I was a Portis fan when he was available in the 2016 NBA Draft, so that somewhat explains why Williams appeals to me. The question is whether Williams will get to round two. Williams’ stock is rising and could be selected in the first round. If he slides into round two, Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens should start making some phone calls.