Welcome to another Joey Barrett scouting report. I have been watching games and film all season and it is finally time to compile my thoughts into scouting reports, mock drafts, and more big boards. For my first four scouting reports I did Chet Holmgren, Jabari Smith, Paolo Banchero, and Keegan Murray which you can check out by clicking those links. For my fifth scouting report, I’ll be doing a fast rising prospect up big boards… Jalen Williams.

On 5/13, I did a podcast with him discussing Santa Clara, the pre-draft process, and his game you can check that out Spotify HERE and Apple HERE!

To see my overall thoughts, read until the end.

My Big Board Ranking as of 5/15: 32

Most Impressive Stats

According to CBB Analytics, Jalen Williams was one of two prospects (Jordan Hall) over 6’6 to average at least 4 assists a game

Strengths

• Excellent playmaker from a wing position, 2.0 AST-TO ratio
• Great shooter, shot 39.6% from 3
• Early in his career he will thrive as a spot up player
  • Was in 97th percentile for points per possession on shots off the catch when open
  • Was in 100th percentile for points per possession on shots off the catch when guarded
• 7’2 wingspan significantly raises his floor as a defender
• Excellent as a pick and roll ball handler, always makes the right decision
• Good at pushing the ball ahead in transition
• Arguably the best pick and roll ball handling defender in the draft
  • Teams won’t be succesful throwing him into screens
• Great at slowing the game down
• No glaring holes

Weaknesses

• Is 21 years old already
• Lacks elite athletiscm
• Only shot 3 threes a game so probably not go to shooter
• Does not have many elite skills
• Little star potential
• Unselfish to a fault sometimes

Best Potential Fits: Cavaliers, Hawks, Bucks, Raptors

Worst Potential Fits: Mavericks, Grizzlies, Thunder, Kings (they will be on everybody’s bad list)

Shades Of: Shai Gilgeous Alexander Lite, George Hill, Arron Afflalo, Evan Fournier

Best Game: 11/30/21 vs Hawaii

Worst Game: 12/19/21 vs Montana

Best 5 Games Stretch: 2/24/22-3/15/22 (vs Porland @Pepperdine Neutral Against Portland, Saint Mary’s, Washington State)

Overall Thoughts

The draft is the time everyone thinks of finding the next LeBron or Giannis but after the lottery, teams find value in guys who will have long careers as high-end role players, Jalen Williams is one of those guys. Jalen is 6’6 but can operate as a primary initiator for an offense. Early in his career, Jalen will probably spend most of his minutes off the ball as a spot-up shooter. Shooting just a shade under 40%, he will fill this role well helping any contender.

After Jalen gains a team’s trust on offense he will start getting more reps as the initiator. Williams is incredible as a pick and roll ball handler and seems to always make the right read. His shot is good enough that teams have to go over screens to guard him. Although Williams does not have elite speed, his methodical way of moving allows him to get by people and to the hoop. If defenses hedge his screen, Williams is an incredible playmaker and always either finds the roller or a shooter.

Jalen Williams’ playmaking is very good but arguably his biggest selling point is his defense. Williams recently confirmed on my podcast that he has a 7’2 wingspan which will be huge for his potential to guard wings in the league. As stated earlier, Jalen Williams may be the single best pick and roll ball handler defender. Williams does a great job fighting over screens or tagging the big man depending on what is needed of him.

Jalen Williams won’t be picked in the top 20 of the draft but I wouldn’t be surprised at all if he ends up being a top 20 player in this draft. Early in his career, Jalen will probably operate as a 3 and D type player but he has real potential to run an offense at some point in his career. I’d feel comfortable taking Jalen Williams anywhere after pick 20 especially if I wanted a ready now player.

Career Projection: 12 Year NBA Career, Starting Wing at His Peak, Connector Glue Guy